-'56 MAIZE 



CHAP. In the case of breeds the characteristics of which are not 



yet definitely fixed, the grower must choose for himself since 

 there is no established standard to guide him. Among the 

 ears in his crop which show variation in characters there is 

 usually one type which is better than the others. 



212. Shape of Ears. — The shape of the ear affects the 

 yield, quality, and uniformity of the grain. The object in view 

 is the selection of the best shape of ear to produce the largest 

 possible yield of shelled grain, and to ensure proper maturity 

 under prevailing climatic conditions. The cylindrical ear is, 

 on the whole, the best for these purposes, but some breeds are 

 characterized by a more or less tapering ear, and where a 

 tapering ear is a characteristic of the breed it should not be 

 treated as a defect, nor should the exhibit be " cut " on that 

 account. If the grower does not like a tapering ear he can 

 discard that particular breed in favour of one with a more 

 cylindrical ear, or he can begin to develop from the old breed 

 a new one which will meet his particular requirements. But 

 little is yet known as to the actual relative merits of the 

 different ear-shapes. 



The principal objection to a tapering ear is that the grains 

 in the upper portion are usually much smaller than those on 

 the rest of the ear, and an uneven sample is the result. It is 

 sometimes found that two rows run only part way up the ear, 

 or in other words are "lost" (Fig. 83); this is a defect, as 

 it means loss of grain. 



It is difficult to define the varying degree of tapering in 

 different breeds, and here, again, experience rather than written 

 rules must be the judge's guide. 



Some breeds being grown in South Africa at the present 

 time, e.g. Chester County, show a tendency to flattening or 

 lateral compression of -the ear which sometimes develops into 

 a fasciation (Fig. 85A) of either the whole, or the upper portion, 

 of the ear, and sometimes to a lobing or division of the apex 

 into fingers (Fig. 85B). These features are undesirable, and 

 all tendency towards them should be bred out by discarding 

 ears which show flattening at the tip. A quarter point is 

 allowed for each well-shaped ear in the exhibit. 



213. Straiglitness of Rows. — Straightness of rows may be 

 less important than size or shape of ear and depth of grain, 



