How TO IMPROVE THE RURAL SCHOOL. 467 



home farm that they may make a demonstration of the value of 

 scientific selection of seed, soil preparation and cultivation. 



A Corn Judging Contest. 



This contest may consist in selecting the best single-ear or the 

 best ten-ear sample, the best bushel, the most perfect hill or the 

 best single stalk. 



One of the most popular contests at the rural school exhibits 

 consists in judging the best ear or ears of corn. This contest may 

 be conducted as follows : Place a variety of from 25 to 50 ears 

 of the same type or of different types on a table. Each ear is 

 designated by a different number. The contest may be to select 

 the best five or the best ten ears of corn. The teacher may select 

 one or more competent judges to take charge of the contest. They 

 must be provided with a list of the names entered for the contest. 

 Each contestant may be allowed to judge the corn separately, or 

 if there is a large number competing, two or more may be allowed 

 to judge at the same time. The number of the ear selected is 

 recorded opposite the name of the person selecting it. Provisions 

 should be made for at least first, second and third prizes. 



The basis of award may be determined by the judges. 



It is very important in connection with this work of seed 

 selection in a corn-judging contest that 'only those breeds and 

 varieties should be used that are known to have the characteristics 

 suited to the local conditions. Therefore it may be profitable to 

 have some corn-breed and variety naming contests, that the 

 students may become familiar with some of our standard breeds. 



Each pupil entering a corn growing contest or who wishes 

 to make a special study of corn should study the following bul- 

 letins, which can be secured from the U. S. Department of Agri- 

 culture, Washington, D. C 



Bulletins. 



409 School Lessons on Corn. 

 415 Seed Corn. 

 414 Corn Cultivation. 

 257 Soil Fertility. 

 192 Barnyard Manures. 

 28 Weeds; and How to Kill Them. 



