262 



MAIZE 



CHAP. It is best to measure the circumference in centimetres. 



The average can be converted into inches by the following 

 table : — 



Table XLIV. 



FOR CONVERSION OF CENTIMETRES TO INCHES, IN MEASURING 

 CIRCUMFERENCE OF EARS. 



223. Standards of Perfection. — Standardization of breeds is 

 essential to good judging ; where there are as many breeds as 

 there are in maize it is impossible to carry their several measure- 

 ments in mind without great risk of error. All the leading 

 American breeds have been standardized. The word standard, 

 as here used, is not intended to imply finality ; probably no 

 one of the recognized breeds is yet perfect or thoroughly 

 fixed ; as improvement takes place, standards gradually 

 change. For the newer breeds, standards have yet to be es- 

 tablished. The following provisional South African standards 

 are given for the guidance of growers and exhibitors. Weight 

 of ear refers to well-matured ears weighed 1 between July and 

 October ; weight per bushel varies with locality ; the large, 

 fine-looking Natal-grown Hickory King weighs less per bushel 

 than the smaller Transvaal-grown grain. 



1 These weights exceed the figures for weight of grain per ear plus weight of 

 cob, because they are taken from the best single ears available, whereas the 

 weight of ear here given is the average of a number of ears. 



