MAIZE 



CULTURE 



97 



The Seed. The first step in maize culture is to secure 

 the best possible seed. As a general rule, seed should 

 be from plants grown under the same conditions as are 



FIG. 73. Several varieties of mai/e 



present where it is to be planted. If it is obtained from 

 a great distance, it may be excellent seed, but not adapted 

 to the local conditions. It should be well ripened on the 

 parent stalk. 



Seeds should be taken only from plants with more 

 than one good ear. Good ears are large, and covered to 

 the end with regular rows of kernels ; and the kernels 

 must fit closely together. In good ears, the grains have 

 75 per cent to 90 per cent as much bulk as the cob. 



There is much difference between varieties of corn. 

 In a test of 34 varieties in Indiana, it was found that 

 there were differences of 33 days in the time needed for 



