100 



CORN 



seed must be observed to avoid injury from moulding, sprouting and 

 insect pests. Seed corn shmild not be left in the field after it has 

 properly matured. 



The Method. In case the farmer has no "Selection Bed" in 

 which has been planted the best and earliest maturing ears, it is then 

 necessary that seed ears be selected from the general field. The most 

 practical method by which this is done is to take a sack and go through 

 the field, before the hard frosts have come on and select the choicest, 

 best matured ears. As many as three or four rows may be observed 

 on the way through. Every well-formed, breedy looking ear of good 

 size and well matured, at this time may be considered valuable for 

 seed purposes, and from twelve to fourteen ears are sufficient for the 



GATHERING SEED CORN IN THE FIELD 



plantmg of an acre. From three to five bushels of corn is as much as 

 may be expected to be found in a single day. These bushels, how- 

 ever, will contain the most valuable seed ears that the field has to 

 offer. A small plot of selected corn simplifies this process, as the best 

 ears may then be found in a comparatively small area. 



During this process, consideration of the strength and character 

 of parent stalk, height of ear and size of shank should be noted. The 

 characteristics are quite generally reproduced. Stalk should be of good 

 size at base, gradually tapering, not necessarily tall. Strong, vigorous 

 stalks nf medium height, in general produce best ears. Largest, best 



