52 THE HANDBOOK FOR PRACTICAL FARMERS 



existing in regard to varieties would be increased; (2) varie- 

 ties grown under certain climatic conditions usually require con- 

 siderable time to become adapted to a different set of condi- 

 tions ; and (3) it is a rather expensive operation. If this method 

 of improvement is undertaken by the farmer the following pre- 

 cautions should be observed: (1) bring in varieties similar to 

 varieties that are known to do well in the region; (2) bring in 

 varieties that have been gro^oi under similar climatic and soil 

 conditions; (3) begin in a smaU way, not trusting the entire 

 crop to the new variety ; and (4) compare thoroughly with estab- 

 lished varieties before passing final judgment. 



Selection within the variety is the method whereby some of 

 our best varieties have been produced and a large amount of 

 improvement within the existing varieties has been accom- 

 plished. A good illustration of the development of a variety 

 by selection is Reid's Yellow Dent, which is the result of nearly 

 fifty years' selection for an ideal. The work was begun by 

 James Reid in 1846. To be sure it is not desirable or worth 

 while for every grower to attempt to produce a new variety, 

 but it is worth while for a large number to attempt improve- 

 ment both in uniformity and in yield of the existing varieties. 



The lack of uniformity in varieties is readily seen either in 

 the field or after the corn is harvested. Just as much varia- 

 tion in ability to yield exists between individual ears as exists 

 between any readily observable character such as the shape of 

 kernels. Herein lies a great opportunity for selection and 

 improvement. 



The methods used in selection within a variety are : (1) Crib 

 selection; (2) field selection; (3) pedigree selection. The old 

 and time-honored method of crib selection, where the best look- 

 ing ears are used for seed, has not generally produced very 

 favorable results because the ability of an ear to produce high 

 yielding plants cannot be told by external appearances. This 

 method is, however, better than taking crib run. Field selec- 

 tion is a marked improvement over the crib selection method. 

 In this case plants are selected that produce the desired charac- 

 ters (yield, type of ear, position of ear, etc.) under average 

 conditions. Plants which have a distinct advantage by being 

 adjacent to missing hills or stalks, or by exceptionally fertile 

 spots, etc., should be avoided. It is best to select these plants 

 while still growing, but in case this cannot be done, the selec- 

 tion may take place when the corn is harvested. This corn is 

 then well cured and stored for planting. This method can be 



