406 FIELD AND GARDEN PRODUCTS 



and stem, can be observed and the sampling can be done in about 

 one-half of the time required when sand or soil is used. 



Where only a limited number of ears are to be tested a similar 

 germinating apparatus may be made by using cloth between two 

 dinner plates. 



If the preliminary work has been well done the germinating 

 box will need but little care until the sprouts are ready for counting. 



The moisture necessary for germination is supplied from the 

 wet cloths, and in most cases the first wetting will be sufficient to 

 complete the test. However, if at any time the cloths become dry 

 they should be moistened by sprinkling a little water over the top. 

 If a piece of glass is used for the cover, as recommended, the amount 

 of water condensed on the under side of the glass will usually show 

 whether there is a lack of moisture. 



Corn germinates best at a temperature alternating between 65 

 and 85 F., representing in a way what actually takes place in na- 

 ture, the higher temperature prevailing from 4 to 6 hours during 

 the day and the lower temperature at night. Temperatures such as 

 are found near the stove or furnace in an ordinary country home 

 approach these conditions quite well. It is important, however, 

 that the temperature does not get too low during the night; a drop 

 much below 55 F. will seriously affect the reliability of the test. 



The kernels should begin to germinate freely about the third or 

 fourth day, but the counting should not be done until the sixth or 

 seventh day, or until most of the shoots or stems are from 1 to l 1 /^ 

 inches long. This part of the testing must be done with consider- 

 able care and requires good judgment, as kernels will be found in 

 all stages of development. The thoroughness of the testing de- 

 pends on proper selection at this time. 



If the six kernels in any one square in the germinating box 

 show six good healthy sprouts, the ear which they represent should 

 be taken for seed. If one of the six kernels fails to germinate, or 

 gives even a weak root or stem, the ear which it represents must be 

 discarded as unfit for seed. There will also be cases in which all six 

 kernels have germinated, but will be lacking in vigor. Under the 

 most favorable conditions kernels of this kind might produce a good 

 ear of corn, but as the chances are that they will never develop, or 

 else will produce only a barren stalk or perhaps a nubbin, such ears 

 should not be used for seed. It is thus only necessary to remember 

 that all ears showing dead kernels or weak and poorly developed 

 sprouts must be discarded and only those used for seed in which 

 every kernel tested has given a good healthy sprout. 



The ears which have shown a perfect germination are now 

 ready to be butted and tipped and shelled for planting. In order 

 to insure further uniformity in planting it is advisable to sort the 

 ears before planting into two or three grades, according to the size 

 of the kernels. This grading may be done by screening, if more 

 convenient. 



