PLANTING CORN 



67 



doll carefully so as not to mix the kernels from the different 

 ears, count the kernels which have germinated strongly in 

 each space, make a record of the results for each ear, and dis- 

 card all ears which do not show at least 5 strong sprouts from 

 the 6 kernels. If seed 

 corn is plentiful and of 

 good quality, save onl}^ 

 the ears which show 

 strong sprouts from all 

 kernels. When a person 

 has a variet}^ of corn 

 known to be adapted to 

 his conditions, has select- 

 ed and graded it till the 

 kernels are uniform, and 

 has tested the germina- 

 tion and discarded all 

 that did not germinate 

 approximately 100 per 

 cent, he has good seed. 



PLANTING CORN 



78. Important Factors in Planting. There are four points 

 of importance to consider relative to planting corn. The 

 first of these is the time of planting; second, depth of 

 planting; third, method of planting; and fourth, thickness 

 of planting. 



79. Time of Planting. The time of planting corn varies 

 with the season and the location. Corn is a semi tropical 

 plant which will not stand frost; on this account, it must not 

 be planted until the season is quite well advanced or until 

 danger of frost is past. Corn planted in cold, wet ground 

 does not do well, and seed that would normally germinate 

 and grow strongly may be entirely lost if planted when con- 

 ditions are not suitable. Generally, it is safe to delay plant- 

 ing until there is every indication of favorable conditions of 



Figure 24. — Germination of corn kernels. 

 The one at the left has the tip shoot only: 

 the one in the center, the root; only the one 

 at the right, with both root and tip strong- 

 ly developed, will produce a strong plant. 



