8o 



PRINCIPLES OF FARM PRACTICE 



by ear. Those ears lacking in good shape, size, or in shape 

 of kernels, or that seem to be light in weight should be thrown 

 out. A germination test should then be made of the re- 

 mainder. Such a test is so familiar that only the main points 

 need be given. 



The essential features of the germinator are a device for 

 identifying the groups of kernels with the ear from which 

 they are taken and some provision for moisture and warmth. 



Diagram of a simple seed tester for corn germination. Described in text. 

 (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.) 



The ears should be numbered, or so arranged, that each ear 

 may be identified readily after the test has been made. At 

 least five kernels should be removed from different parts of 

 the ear and placed in a square of the germinator numbered 

 to correspond to the number or position of the ear selected. 

 When all the ears have been disposed of in this manner, 

 the tester should be covered and put in a warm place. After 

 five or six days, when inspection shows that germination has 

 taken place, each group of kernels should be examined. If a 

 group is found where one or more kernels has not germi- 



