How TO IMPROVE THE RURAL SCHOOL. 465 



Study the following important factors affecting the corn crop : 



1. Elements usually deficient in our soils. 



2. The natural and artificial means by which nitrogen, phosphorus 

 and potassium are supplied for plant growth. 



3. Effects of clover, alfalfa, soy-beans and other legumes in pre- 

 paring available nitrogen for corn growth. 



4. Effect of lime on acid soils. 

 Success will depend upon : 



The resources of the teacher ; 

 The use of illustrative material; 



Results from a commercial as well as the aesthetic point 

 of view. 



Do not depend upon the text-book to keep up the interest 

 in Agriculture. 



Make a collection of the six different types of corn. 



Begin with the study of securing a good specimen of a corn 

 plant. 



Have the pupils make a drawing of a complete plant. 



Examine and study the different parts : stalk, nodes, inter- 

 nodes, leaves, husks, tassel, silk, ear, kernel, cob, etc 



Name all parts from roots to tassel. 



Examine roots and study effects of deep and shallow culti- 

 vation at different stages of growth. 



Select seed from standing corn. 



Study characteristics of the hill ; the stalk ; the ear ; the field ; 

 the soil. If there are different types of soil in the same field, you 

 should know from what part of the field each ear is selected. 



Have the pupils select one bushel of hand-picked seed ears. 



These can be used in a seed selection contest, and for an 

 exhibit. 



In awarding prizes in a seed selecting contest, the following 

 basis of award can be used : 



Basis of Award Ear Corn : 



(1) Trueness to breed type 25 



(2) Vitality, maturity, and market condition 25 



(3) Appearance of corn, such as uniformity of butts and tips, color, 

 size, etc., applied to one ear, ten ears, or entire bushel 25 



(4) Shelling percentage, shape, size, color, and quantity of individual 

 grains. Apply this test to one ear, or entire bushel 25 



Total score 100 



30 



