CORN 



193 



is too long it allows the ear to pull the stalk over, and when too short the 

 ear is too erect and may be damaged at the tip by allowing water to enter 

 the husks. The husks should be moderate in amount and sufficiently 

 long to cover the tip of the ear and protect the kernels from insects, birds 

 and damage by rain. 



The size of the ear will vary in different districts, but for a medium 

 maturing variety a good seed ear should be 8 to 10 inches long. The 

 circumference two-fifths the distance from the butt should equal three- 

 fourths but not exceed four-fifths of the length. The form should be 

 cylindrical or but slightly tapering from butt to tip. The tip and butt 

 should be well filled with kernels and the rows, 16 to 20 in number, should 



High and Low Ears. 1 



be straight and carry out well to the butt and tip with kernels of regular 

 and uniform shape. 



The depth of kernels should equal one-half the diameter of the cob. 

 Kernels five-eighth inch long, three-eighth inch wide and one-sixth inch 

 thick are a good size. The tips should be strong and full, for such 

 indicates good vitality. The embryo or germ should be large and ex- 

 tend well up toward the crown. Large embryos produce vigorous plants 

 and indicate high fat and protein content and consequently high feeding 

 value. 



Care of Seed. — Seed-corn should be well cared for by storing in a 

 dry and well-ventilated room and out of reach of rats and mice. Corn, 

 thoroughly dried, will stand a very low temperature without injury, but 



1 Courtesy of Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, Bulletin 282, "Corn Experiments." 



