SWEET CORN 227 



rule, this disease occasions little loss in the sweet corn if sanitary 

 measures are observed, but it is the cause of considerable loss in 

 field corn. 



The corn-ear worm, or bollworm, Heliothis obsoleta Haw., a large 

 repulsive larva, causes more injury to sweet corn than all other pests 

 and diseases combined. This worm is not so common toward the 

 northern limit of sweet-corn culture as it is farther south ; but it 

 is a pest to be reckoned with from New York southward and west- 

 ward to the Pacific. The unfortunate fact about the bollworm which 

 makes its case different from that of most other insect pests is its 

 food habits it is not selective but is a great glutton. It does not 

 stop short of cannibalism, the stronger larvae eating the smaller 

 and weaker ones when they chance to meet. The pest is injurious 

 to tomatoes, corn, cotton, and other important crops. Crop rotation 

 or isolation does little good, and effective preventive or remedial 

 measures are not known. 



Now that there are inexpensive canning outfits for use where 

 only small quantities of a given product are available, more atten- 

 tion should be given to husbanding the products of the farm and 

 garden. The following plan for handling small quantities of corn 

 will prove advantageous. 



Home canning of corn. Contrary to the general opinion, corn is one of the 

 easiest vegetables to can. Select the ears with full grains before they have 

 begun to harden, as this is the period of greatest sugar content. Husk them 

 and brush the silks off with a stiff brush. Shear off the grains with a sharp 

 knife, and pack the jar full. Add salt to taste, usually about a teaspoonful to 

 the quart is sufficient, and fill up the jar to the top with cold water. Put the 

 rubber ring around the neck of the jar and place the glass top on loosely. Be 

 careful not to press down the spring at the side of the jar. 



[A common wash boiler provided with a false bottom made of slats or heavy 

 wire cloth may be used as a sterilizer.] Place the false bottom in the boiler 

 and put in as many jars as the boiler will conveniently hold. Don't try to 

 crowd them in. Leave space between them. Pour in about 3 inches of cold 

 water, or just enough to form steam and to prevent the boiler from going dry 

 during the boiling. It is not necessary to have the water up to the neck of the 

 jars, as the steam will do the cooking. Put the cover on the boiler and set it 

 on the stove. Bring the water to a boil and keep it boiling for one hour. At 

 the end of that time remove the cover of the boiler and allow the steam to 

 escape. Press down the spring at the side of the jar. This clamps on the top 

 and will prevent any outside air from entering. The jars can now be removed 

 and cooled or allowed to stand in the boiler until the next day. 



