SHAPE OF KERNELS 97 



Shape of Kernels.In dent corns, the proportion of length to 

 width varies. In some early varieties the kernel is as broad as long, 

 while in most of the very large, late dents the kernel is only oiie-hal? 

 as broad as long. Some allowance must be made for variety, but, in 



FIG. 33.-Shape of ear. On left a cylindrical ear; center, tapering ear; right, tapering butt.' 



general, the kernels should be much longer than broad, and so shaped 

 that they fit very neatly, at tip and crown, with no wide spaces be- 

 tween. Space between the kernels at the cob usually indicates poor 

 growth or immaturity. 



