Nov., 1910.] ANNUAL REPORTS. 15 



going experiments with field and ensilage corn are to be published in bulletin 

 form during the coming winter. 



2. Ear-Row Tests of Corn. 



Objects. (L) To show the difference in productivity between individual 

 ears. (2) To secure a highly productive strain of corn by selection and 

 cross-breeding of tested ears. (3) To determine to what extent early 

 maturity can be induced. (4) To determine what tendency there is in 

 this latitude for dent corn to assume the characterLstics of the flint type 

 when kept isolated from the latter varieties. (5) To secure a pedigreed 

 strain of dent corn adapted to New Hampshire soils and climate. 



The following extracts, records and illustrations taken from a circular 

 recently published by this department will set forth the methods used and 

 results thus far obtained with the work: 



The Ear-Row Method. 



This method which was originated at the Illinois Experiment Station and 

 which has since been modified and used by various other stations is funda- 

 mental to all corn breeding work. Its simplicity, ease of application and 

 definiteness of results readily commend it to the farmer who is trying to 

 improve his strain of corn. 



The method consists essentially of selecting ten to fifty ears of corn and 

 planting them in as many different rows, an ear to each row, and later on 

 comparing the yields per row. In our work here we have tested fifty ears each 

 season. In making the selection of ears to go in the test we have followed no 

 definite rule as to the size, shape, weight and markings of the ear, because the 

 relative merits of these points are still more or less in question. The two 

 qualifications which we have insisted upon in all ears are maturity and strong 

 vitality, for the reason that these qualities are the most essential in all northern 

 climates. 



After the ears have been selected, a germination test of each is made by 

 extracting ten kernels from different parts of the ear and testing them in moist 

 Band or blotting paper. If any of the ten kernels fail to germinate the ear from 

 which they came is discarded. The ears are then renumbered, weighed, meas- 

 ured, and photographed in groups of five. They are then shelled and the 

 weight of the cobs taken to determine the percentage of grain, after which the 

 6helled corn from each ear is placed in a separate jar or small bag, properly 

 numbered, and is ready for planting. It would not be necessary and most 

 likely not convenient for the average farmer to make all of these detailed 

 records of each ear, but he ought, at least, to make 1 1 1 < * germination test and 

 to weigh and measure the ears. 



As before stated, the individual ears should be planted in separate rows, a 

 convenient length for which is 100 hills, <>r about 350 feet. A row of corn 100 

 hills long with the hills three and one-half feel apart will equal approximately 

 one thirty-sixth of an acre By planting four kernels to the hill a -ufliciently 

 good stand should be secured so that the rows may later be thinned to an 

 average of three stalks per hill. In the fall each row should be cut and shocked 



