CORN 



151 



States where the average yield has been comparatively small 

 for many years, the boys have set an entirely new high stand- 

 ard in corn yields per acre. For instance, in Alabama, one 

 boy grew 232.7 bushels per acre in 1913, whereas the average 

 yield for corn in the United States is 30 bushels per acre. 

 These noticeable and startling improvements were made by 



Flo. 81. A prize-winning field of corn in Virginia and the boy who grew it. He 

 used the correct methods. (O. B. Martin, Plant Industry.) 



the selection of improved seed, followed by careful and per- 

 sistent tillage. 



Value of Clubs. Other boys, encouraged by such re- 

 sults, are led to exert their best efforts to do as well as this 

 Alabama lad did. By belonging to a club the boys are spurred 

 to greater activities because of wholesome competition. 

 This is a good thing. If farmers could feel some of the same 

 thrilling interest in their work if all farming had some of 

 the spice of competition in it there would be fewer run- 

 down farms, fewer tenant farmers, less farming for a bare 

 living, and more and better crop production, as well as hap- 

 pier, more contented people on the farms of our country. 

 1J 



