SEED. 91 



beginning for another season. The first step is well 

 taken and in the right direction. 



The following rules for the selection of seed-corn, 

 suggested by the experience of practical cultivators, 

 will perhaps be of service to the farmer as a guide in 

 making his selection : 



RULES FOR THE SELECTION OF SEED-CORN. 



1. The most essential point to start with is a good 

 variety. ~No correct farmer will plant or use on his 

 farm any but the best grain. If, therefore, the corn 

 you have been raising is an inferior kind, abandon it 

 at once, and procure the best variety that will succeed 

 in your locality. Begin with the purest and most 

 perfect seed you can obtain, and you will easily be 

 able to keep it pure, and make it continually better 

 by attending to these rules. 



2. Select your seed from those stalks that have the 

 most ears, taking the best from each stalk. 



3. The earliest ripe in the field is to be preferred, 

 unless otherwise objectionable. 



4. Those stalks that bear their ears nearest the 

 ground are the best to choose from, provided the ears 

 are right. 



5. Select large, fair ears, with kernels of a bright, 

 clear color. 



6. Prefer those ears in which the rows are most 

 regular, and the grain most uniform in size. 



7. Choose those ears that taper the least, having 

 their butts very little larger than their tips. 



