CORN JUDGING 65 



and with the least possible loss of time pick up the ear in 

 the left hand. Hold the end of the tape line on the ear 

 with the index finger of the left hand at the necessary 

 point. Now quickly wrap the tape about the ear and note 

 the measurement, adding together the excess, or the lack 

 of proper circumference for each ear, and cut according 

 to rule. 



Another method of measuring the circumference is to 

 measure the circumference of the ear about two inches 

 from the butt, and then about two inches from the tip. 

 Add the two measurements together and divide by two, 

 the resulting figure being the average circumference of the 

 ear. The disadvantage of this system lies in the time 

 necessary to make the extra measurements and the compu- 

 tations. Its advantage is that it takes into consideration 

 the tapering of the ear in considering the circumference. 

 In view of the fact that a trained judge naturally scores 

 on this point under shape of ear, the desirability of thia 

 method is questionable. 



SPACE BETWEEN Hows 



The first kind of space between rows is the furrow be- 

 tween the top of the rows of kernels. It is usually greatest 

 in broad, shallow kernel or a smooth kernel type of corn. 

 To determine the cut for space the following rules can 

 be applied if tempered with the judgment of the scorer: 

 For less than 1-32 inch, no cut ; for a furrow 1-32-1-16 inch 

 in width, one-half point cut ; for more than 1-16 inch, cut 

 one point for each ear. This space between rows may be 

 a relic of the early type of Indian corn. It indicates a 

 reversion to the unimproved varieties and is very unde- 

 sirable. It is usually accompanied with a comparatively 

 small number of rows of kernels on the cob, and conse- 

 quently a small proportion of corn to cob. 



