146 



SOUTHERN FIELD CROPS 



Hartley found that the small kernels, usually on the tip, gave 

 a higher percentage of weak and unproductive plants than larger 

 kernels. Jeffrey (Mich. Exp. Sta., Circ. 3) found that in most, 

 but not in all varieties, the butt kernels germinated more slowly 

 and' the tip kernels more promptly than those from the middle of 

 the ear (Fig. 76). 



The Illinois Experiment Station has shown (Bui. 55, and Bui. 

 128, p. 460) that the tip kernels contain a slightly lower percentage 



FIG. 76. YOUNG CORN PLANTS. 



On left, from tip kernels ; in center, from middle grains ; and on 

 right, from butt kernels. 



of protein than the middle or butt kernels, and that the butt- 

 kernels are slightly the richest in this constitusnt. The tip 

 kernels contained a slightly larger proportion of starch than 

 the others. Kernels from the tip, middle, and butt ware prac- 

 tically alike in percentage of oil and ash. 



On the whole, it seems advisable to remove the tip 

 grains of the seed-ears : (1) so as to secure seed of more 

 uniform size, an important consideration where a constant 

 number of grains must be dropped by the planter in each 



