92 LABORATORY MANUAL OF AGRICULTURE 



kernels of medium depth are preferable to deeper ones, and 

 will perhaps produce a larger yield and better quality of corn. 



Furrows between Rows. If the crowns of the kernels 

 are rounded off on top, there is likely to be space between the 

 rows. This condition is usually associated with a shallow 

 grain, and indicates a small per cent of corn. 



Space between Kernels at Cob. The kernels should be 

 close together at the tips. Space between the tips of the 

 kernels, next to the cob, indicates immaturity and weak 

 vitality. 



Composition and Feeding Value. By far the largest part 

 of the corn kernel is starch. It also contains protein and oil. 

 The protein and oil are higher in feeding value than starch, 

 and high content of these substances is indicated by a large 

 per cent of the horny endosperm and large germ. 



Vitality. It is essential that corn used for seed should 

 be of strong vitality. The ear should be well matured. 

 The kernels should be sound and firm on the cob. The 

 germ should be large. Small, wrinkled, or dull-colored germs 

 indicate low vitality. 



Soundness or Freedom from Injury. Mold or fungous 

 disease not only indicates decreased vitality, but it decreases 

 the market value of the corn. Kernels that are cracked, 

 or injured by various insects, are of less value, and should 

 be scored against accordingly. 



Careful examination should be made of the various parts 

 of the ear as given on the score card. In examining the 

 kernels, two or more kernels should be removed from near 

 the center of the ear so that a better estimate may be formed 

 of their worth. If an ear is very poor in some quality, it 



