No. 4.] CORN SELF.CTION. 119 



per acre is the important point. Here again there is a wide difference 

 between dent and flint corns. Dent ears may weigh IG ounces or 

 more, and are usually produced one on a stalk. Flint ears weigh 8 

 ounces to 10 ounces, and more than one ear is commonly produced 

 on a stalk. 



5. Length of Ear and Us Proportion. — The size of ears of corn vary 

 considerably with the locality, soil, etc., so it is hard to fix a standard 

 of length. Dent varieties should be 9^ inches to 10 inches long. Flint 

 varieties ma}^ be 11 inches to 12 inches long. Some varieties of both 

 types may be smaller. In dent corn the circumference of the ears 

 taken 2 inches above the butt should be about two-thirds the length. 

 Ears with too large a circumference for their length are slow to mature. 

 Ears should not be too tapering. Nearly cylindrical ears are de- 

 sirable. Ears should be full and strong in the central portion. 



G. Butts. — Large yield to the acre depends on having the butts 

 and tips well filled out. The kernels should be uniform in size and well 

 arranged around the butt, surrounding a cup-shaped cavity. The 

 butt of the ear should not be too large, neither should it be so small 

 as not to support the ear well when it is hanging on the stalk. Butts 

 should be somewhat expanded but not too large. 



7. Tips. — Should be well covered with kernels of uniform size and 

 in rows which are a continuation of those on the ears. Poor tips may 

 be caused by an unfavorable season. Tips well filled out show good 

 breeding and a larger amount of shelled corn to the acre. 



8. Space between tlie Rows. — i\Iuch space between the rows reduces 

 the proportion of shelled corn. The shape of the kernels, the straight- 

 ness of the rows, both at the base end of the kernel and on the ex- 

 terior, should be very slight. 



9. Color. — The color of the kernels should be uniform and of a 

 bright luster, showing good condition. White or black kernels in 

 yellow corn should be severely cut and vice versa. Too many mixed 

 kernels may disqualify the exhibit. Missing kernels may be taken 

 to mean that those originally occupying the vacant spaces were off 

 color. The cobs should all be of the same color. Usually white 

 corn has white cobs. Red cobs in yellow corn are preferred. Variar 

 tion in color of cobs shows mixture and poor breeding. 



Preparation of the Corn for Exhibition Purposes. 

 After the corn has been carefully selected, according to the points 

 given in the foregoing score cards, it should be carefully stored, so 

 that the ears will not become broken or otherwise injured. Keep it 

 in a place where the luster will be maintained. It is just as allowable 

 to "groom" an exhibit of corn and otherwise make it look well lor 

 exhibition purposes as it is to place animals in "show condition." 

 All silks, chaff, etc., should be carefully removed. The butts may be 

 trimmed to give them as neat an ai^pearauce as possible. Any attempt 



