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[Reprint folder announcing Corn Contest] 



1. The selected seed plat. This consists of a plat of ground isolated 

 from all other corn, at least fifty rods, if possible and large enough to grow 

 the quantity of seed desired. Select a few of the very best seed ears and 

 shell together for this plat. During growing season, cut out all barren, 

 dwarfed and diseased stalks before they have produced any pollen (before 

 tasseling). For the second year, the very best ears from above may be 

 used for another plat, etc. 



2. Ear to row method. This method is the best for improving corn 

 rapidly and for getting the very best results, but it requires careful work 

 and much of it. The general plan is to select 100 of the best ears from 

 the variety to be improved and number each ear securely. Shell half of 

 each ear and plant it in a row numbered to correspond. (By planting 

 in rows 3| feet apart and 42 hills, 3 feet apart to the row, each row will 

 contain approximately 1-100 of an acre). Six grains should be planted to 

 a hill and stand thinned to three stalks. These rows should be studied 

 during the growing season, and all the desirable features which they develop 

 should be noted down for reference. At harvesting time each row should 

 be harvested separately and weighed. The best ears from ten of the very 

 best of these rows should be selected for field planting. By shelling together 

 the remainder of these same parent ears and planting in an increase plat 

 the following year, provision may be made for selecting good ears for the 

 next year's row tests. All row plats should be isolated, as described above. 

 This plan provides for a succession of seed plat and row test on alternate 

 years (this test may also be conducted in a co-operative way or by one 

 farmer in each community, who will supply seed to his neighbor). If 

 carefully followed, the improved seed which it will yield will well repay 

 the time and money involved. There is at present a great demand for 

 improved seed corn in all parts of Pennsylvania. 



Care of Seed. — Seed corn should be carefully dried and stored in a 

 warm, dry and well-ventilated place. A wire cage in a warm attic makes 

 an ideal storage place. 



