94 FUNDAMENTALS OF AGRICULTURE. 



WELL-SHAPED KERNELS. 



extreme heat and other causes. If the kernel ma- 

 tures properly on the stalk, is dried out carefully by 

 a free circulation of dry air after husking, the vital- 

 ity is conserved in good condition under all ordi- 

 nary circumstances of weather. A certain tempera- 

 ture, usually 70 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, is 

 most favorable to germination of the seed. Too low 

 or too high temperatures injure the germination of the 

 seed. A certain degree of moisture, such as contained 

 in moist friable soil, is necessary to the best germina- 

 tion. Without moisture germination will not take 

 place. A certain amount of oxygen is necessary for 

 the sprouting seed. The process of germination re- 

 quires the oxygen to make available the plant food 

 stored up in the seed. Without all of these conditions 

 germination will not take place, and it is the business 

 of the corn grower to supply these conditions for the 



