36 



to a great extent the amount of corn on the cob, lost space between 

 rows, also chemical composition. Kernels with much starch are rich 

 in carboh^'drates ; those having a larger germ are rich in oil. The 

 kernels should possess germs of good size. Kernels of uneven size do 

 not work through corn planters with uniformity. The edges of the 

 kernels should be straight and fit closely together; they should be of 

 uniform thickness. The rows should also be straight. 



J^. Weight of Ear. — ■ In this score card this item takes the place of 

 "proportion of corn to cob" in other score cards. Drj' cobs do not 

 vary much in weight, and it is much easier for a judge to weigh the 

 ears than to have two or three out of ten shelled and the proportion 

 of corn to cob determined in this way; The weight of shelled corn 

 per acre is the important point. Here again there is a wide difference 

 between dent and flint corns. Dent ears may weigh 16 ounces or 

 more, and are usually produced one on a stalk. Flint ears weigh 8 

 ounces to 10 ounces, and more than one ear is commonly produced 

 on a stalk. 



5. Length of Ear and its Proportion. — The size of ears of corn vary' 

 considerably with the locality, soil, etc., so it is hard to fix a standard 

 of length. Dent varieties should be 9| inches to 10 inches long. Fhnt 

 varieties may be 11 inches to 12 inches long. Some varieties of both 

 types may be smaller. In dent corn the circumference of the ears 

 taken 2 inches above the butt should be about two-thirds the length. 

 Ears with too large a circumference for their length are slow to mature. 

 Ears should not be too tapering. Nearly cylindrical ears are de- 

 sirable. Ears should be full and strong in the central portion. 



6. Butts. — Large yield to the acre depends on having the butts 

 and tips well filled out. The kernels should be uniform in size and well 

 arranged around the butt, surrounding a cup-shaped cavity. The 

 butt of the ear should not be too large, neither should it be so small 

 as not to support the ear well when it is hanging on the stalk. Butts 

 should be somewhat expanded but not too large. 



7. Tips. — Should be well covered with kernels of uniform size and 

 in rows which are a continuation of those on the ears. Poor tips may 

 be caused by an unfavorable season. Tips well filled out show good 

 breeding and a larger amount of shelled corn to the acre. 



8. Space between the Rows. — Much space between the rows reduces 

 the proportion of shelled corn. The shape of the kernels, the straight- 

 ness of the rows, both at the base end of the kernel and on the ex- 

 terior, should be very slight. 



9. Color. — The color of the kernels should be uniform and of a 

 bright luster, showing good condition. White or black kernels in 

 yellow corn should be severely cut and vice versa. Too many mixed 

 kernels may disqualify the exhibit. ^lissing kernels may be taken 

 to mean that those originally occupying the vacant spaces were off 



