PROPAGATION OF PLANTS 49 



vigorous. Hence a test of a few kernels taken from differ- 

 ent parts of the ear will give a fairly accurate idea of tke 

 ear. Since it takes only about a dozen ears to plant an 

 acre, it is a very easy matter to test every ear. And, 

 since one ear plants so large an area, it follows that a single 

 ear that germinates poorly may decrease the yield of corn 

 several bushels. One of the most important, as well as 

 one of the easiest ways to increase the yield of corn is 

 to test the vigor of every ear before planting, and use for 

 seed only those that show a good germination test. The 

 germination test should be 

 made before the spring 

 work begins. 



Secure a box about two 

 by three feet and six inches 

 deep. Fill this half full of 

 saw-dust, sand or soil. Take 

 a white cloth a little larger FlG . 31 . Ears of corn laid out for 



than the box and, with a nation test. (After Holden) 



lead pencil, rule into squares about one and one-half inches 

 each way. Number each square. Lay this cloth over the 

 sawdust or other material, and tack to the box in a few 

 places. Put enough sawdust into a sack, so that it will 

 fit into the box, and cover it an inch deep. Moisten the 

 sawdust of the box and bag. 



Lay out the ears of corn in rows on the floor or on 

 shelves, and number them to correspond with the squares 

 on the cloth in the box. Remove six kernels from each 

 ear, taking them from different places on the ear. Put 

 the kernels from ear 1 on square 1, those from ear 2 on 

 square 2, etc. When all the kernels are in place, lay a 



