SWEET CORN 123 



solution, a teaspoonful to a gallon of water, just be- 

 fore planting, will also be pretty sure to spoil the 

 crow's appetite. 



White rags tied to string about the field, or to 

 sticks, will make crows and blackbirds more wary, 

 if they show a tendency to pull off the tender shoots 

 of the sprouting corn. 



When to Pick Corn 



It takes some practice before one can tell, by feel- 

 ing, just when corn is ready to eat. For the beginner, 

 the safest way is to examine it now and then, soon 

 after the silk turns brown and shrivels. By pulling 

 the envelope apart a bit, you can see for yourself 

 just how ripe it is. Do not examine it at the top, 

 but about two thirds up. Frequently the ear is 

 ready when the top kernels have not developed. 

 If it is not ready, push the husk back over the open- 

 ing to keep out the air. Usually, when corn is ready 

 to pick, the husk becomes quite thin, and the kernels 

 may be felt distinctly with the fingers. 



