CORN JUDGING 49 



sary, and place the uniform ears together. In this way 

 a better idea can be gained of the uniformity of the exhibit 

 and of the value of this point. If, for example, six ears 

 in the exhibit are fairly uniform and four are distinctly 

 different in general type, a cut of four points should be 

 made. In other words, give the sample a marking of six 

 points. This plan will give a just marking, because, 

 although the six ears may not be absolutely uniform, 

 the four ears are not entirely dissimilar. The shape should 

 be uniformly the same in the different ears of the exhibit. 

 The shape may be very poor, but if the ears are alike they 

 must be counted of uniform shape. The size may be too 

 large, but if all the ears have the same size and type the 

 exhibit will be uniform and no cut should be made in the 

 score. It is usually an easy matter to divide an exhibit 

 into the uniform and non-uniform ears where there are 

 distinct differences, but the cases of slight differences 

 must be cut according to the best estimate of the judge. 



SHAPE OF EARS 



In shape the ear must be true to variety shape. For 

 instance, the shape of the Boone County White ear is 

 cylindrical, while that of the Learning is slightly tapering. 

 Each variety has individual variety peculiarities of shape. 

 In general, all ears should be cylindrical, carrying the 

 same circumference from the butt to the tip. This shape 

 will secure uniform sized kernels from butt to tip. Conse- 

 quently there will be a larger proportion of corn to cob in 

 such cylindrical ears than on very tapering ears. In most 

 tapering ears the taper is caused by the dropping of one 

 or more rows of kernels about one-third the distance from 

 the butt to the tip. These dropped rows cause irregular 

 kernels, a smaller proportion of corn to cob, and a poorly 

 shaped ear. The rows of kernels must be straight and 



