PRACTICAL POINTS 



101 



Shape of Kernels. First examine a few ears having good shape 

 of kernel. The kernel should not be too narrow or thin. The 

 kernels should be of such shape as to fit neatly, with no lost spaces, 

 and the tip especially should be plump. A keystone suggests the 

 ideal shape. Cut one point per ear. 



Uniformity in (1) size of ear; (2) shape of ear; (3) indenta- 

 tion; (4) kernel. Uniformity is a strong indication of trueness to 

 type (Fig. 38). A good exhibit is assumed to be uniform. In 

 judging uniformity the ears are best sorted according to type in 

 each case. For example, ears having similar identation are placed 



FIG. 38. A well-selected exhibit of fancy ears. Note their uniformity in all characters. 



together. In a certain case you may have six ears with one kind 

 of indentation, three with another, and one of another. Give the 

 exhibit credit for six, the largest number of a kind. 



Proceed in the same way with the other characters. Cut one-half 

 point per ear. 



Practical Points. Maturity. A lack of maturity is indicated 

 in several ways : ( 1 ) ear soft, so it can be twisted with the hands ; 

 (2) kernels discolored at the tips, due to poor drying; (3) kernels 

 blistered, the hull being raised in places due to frost or freezing while 

 green; (4) kernels badly pinched at top, indicating lack of full de- 

 velopment. Cut one point per ear. . 



