100 CHAPTER VI 



by the low temperatures with a subsequent oxidation of the 

 testa during the comparatively high temperatures of the day. 

 This should be taken as evidence of disease. 



(10) Length of Ears. — This will depend on the variety 

 and climatic conditions. Within limits, having regard to the 

 fact that length is directly correlated with late maturity, it 

 should conform to the requirements of the breed and the area 

 in which it is grown. 



(11) Shape of Grain. — This should be typical of the 

 variety. 



(12) Length of Grain. — Depth of grain should be fav- 

 oured. It must be borne in mind, though, that often the deeper 

 the grain the later the maturity, and that variation in environ- 

 ment may cause variation in depth. 



(13) Shape of Ears and Straightness of Rows. — These 

 should be typical of the variety ; cylindrical ears are to be 

 given preference, although high yielding strains are often 

 found to have tapering ears. A too pronounced tapering gives 

 grain lacking in uniformity, since those near the tip are con- 

 siderably shallower than those near the butt. Crooked rows 

 are undesirable, since the greater the fault in this respect the 

 more irregular the kernels; and, moreover, repeated selection 

 for crookedness has shown crookedness to be of a cumulative 

 character, in that the rows may be eventually lost. 



(14) Uniformity of Cobs and Grain. — Uniformity is an 

 indication of purity. A lack of uniformity in shape, colour, 

 size and general aj^pearance should be severely cut. 



(15) Colour of Grain and Cob. — This should be typical of 

 the breed. Variation of colour in the grain may indicate 

 crossing, in which case the hybrid kernels may often be found 

 at the extremities of the ear. Ears showing cross-fertilisation 

 should not be used for seed. 



General Kemarks on Show Maize. — While the value of 

 shows, particularly in a rapidly-developing country, serves as 

 a rallying point to those interested, and gives an impetus to 

 the industry as a whole, the value of the exhibits for seed may 

 often bo doubtful, since the production of show maize may be 

 accomplished by special treatment, liberal manuring, wide 

 spacing, etc., of what may be relatively poor maize. How- 

 ever, on the whole, show maize may be taken as being above 

 the average, and farmers taking the trouble to exhibit are 

 usually those who practise some form of useful selection. 

 Fancy points, having no direct bearing on utilitv, are too 



