FOR BETTER CROPS .5.9 



There are many causes which contribute to a poor stand of 

 corn, yet every one who has given the question much attention 

 will at^ree with me that poor seed is by far the greatest cause of 

 the poor stand. 



Better Care of Seed Corn — We must take better care of 

 our seed corn. We must harvest it in the fall before the severe 

 freezes. In Iowa and the north half of Illinois the last ten 

 days in September will be about right. It should be hung up, 

 not piled up. It is circulation of air that is needed and not 

 heat. Especially is this true during the first two weeks after 

 the seed is harvested, while it is still sappy. There is no place 

 better than an up-stairs room or attic, where the windows can 

 be left open until the seed is dry. Again I will repeat, hang it 

 up, don't pile it up. 



Plant the 100 Best Ears Together — One hundred or so of 

 the very best ears should be selected in the spring when we are 

 testing our seed, shelled, and mixed together. This best seed 

 which comes from the finest ears should be planted on one side 

 of the corn field. Xext fall from this seven or eight acres should 

 be selected the seed for the following crop. Is there any good 

 reason why any of us should fail to do this? We all recognize 

 the great law that "like tends to produce like."' In planting 

 the field it takes no longer to put this best seed in our planter 

 and plant it out first. 



