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DOMESTICATED ANIMALS AND PLANTS 



In these experiments the planting was always made from the 

 ears that contained the highest and lowest obtainable proportions 

 of oil respectively. The selection may be roughly based on the 

 size of the germ, the largest germs having the most oil. 



Ten Generations of Breeding Corn for Increase and 

 Decrease of Oil 



Exercises. Study and report upon any plant-breeding operations of the 

 neighborhood, especially with reference to the following points : what im- 

 provements are sought ; how seeds are selected, and on what points selection 

 is based; how stored for the winter; how planted, and what records are kept. 



Plant in separate rows ten of the best ears of corn obtainable, describe 

 and number each ear, and give the same number to the row in which it is 

 planted. Then make a careful study of the crop, both as to yield and uni- 

 formity, using the statistical methods for determining variability. 



Plant separately from the tips, the middle, and the butts of the same ears 

 of corn. Next year select a set in the same way from the respective crops, 

 and continue the experiment for a series of years in order to get the cumu- 

 lative effect of the late small kernels at the tip as compared with the early 

 and large kernels of the base. Do not look for too much difference the 

 first year. 



Bring to the school garden any field crop or garden plant in which there 

 is general interest, and begin work, looking to its improvement. 



