that if barren and stunted stalks are removed from a breeding plot 

 before the pollen falls, the percentage of barren stalks is greatly re- 

 duced. The Wisconsin report states: 



"The selection of seed corn from the strains producing few barren 

 stalks and the removal of the barren stalks present before they produce 

 pollen, therefore, offer a means of very materially reducing the per- 

 centage of barren stalks present. The following table is very convincing, 

 but it does not represent the percentage of barren stalks in the average 

 corn field: 



(Difference between best and poorest strains is 47 bushels per acre.) 



The results of the Wisconsin experiments are no more startling than 

 those made by thousands of thorough farmers and practically every 

 demonstration station in the United States where corn-raising is a 

 feature. The lessons are so convincing that farmers cannot afford to 

 disregard them. 



Cultivation 



The cultivation of corn is an art which requires good judgment and 

 a knowledge of the character, growth and location of the roots of the 

 growing plant. Corn, like the young animal, should receive thorough 

 and careful care during its tender age ; otherwise it will be stunted and 

 runty. 



If the seed bed is deep, thoroughly pulverized, made compact, and 

 well aerated, cultivation should be only for the pui-pose of removing 

 weeds and maintaining a mulch to prevent the escape of moisture. 

 Conditions arise, however, which necessitate material variations from 

 any fixed rule. 



As soon as the corn has been planted, it is a good plan to roll the land 

 with a culti-packer. This implement forms a fairly good mulch, pul- 

 verizes surface lumps, and packs the soil around the seed. It also 



