444 CORN 



within your own latitude and at very moderate distances, that there 

 may be less chance for contrast in soil and climatic conditions. 



It is dangerous to go south, owing to the longer growing season. 

 Such seed is likely to produce a crop, which, under normal conditions, 

 will not mature satisfactorily, while an early fall would prove disas- 

 trous, resulting in a quantity of "soft corn." It is better to go north 

 for seed than to go south. Seed secured from the north is accustomed 

 to a shorter growing season, producing a smaller stalk and ear than 

 that grown further south. Should seed corn be secured from a dis- 

 tance, especially southward, it should be only for the planting of a 

 small patch and not for planting the general fields. By means of 

 proper selection, it will be found to more closely adapt itself to its 

 environment, so that in a few years it will have become thoroughly 

 acclimated. The length of time depends upon the contrast in the soil 

 and climatic conditions between the two localities. 



SELECTING SEED FOR SELECTION BED. As it takes but 

 from 12 to 14 average sized ears of corn for the planting of an acre 

 where a 3 foot 6 inch planter is used, with 3 kernels to the hill; 40 

 to 50 ears will be a desirable number to select. In the first place, 

 it is to be expected that a quantity of seed corn has been previously 

 selected and stored. In the process of giving this seed corn the germi- 

 nation test, it will be noticed that some of it comes with much more 

 strength and vigor than the rest. In fact, by careful examination it 

 will be found that 40 to 50 ears may be selected in the germination 

 box, which have pushed forward during the process of germination 

 more rapidly than have the rest. These ears may be laid aside and 

 used for planting the selection bed. They should be shelled and 

 graded. 



In choosing these ears for the selection bed, it is preferable that 

 they be of one type. The best type of ear and kernel is not the same 

 for all conditions of environment. In localities where the soil is rich 

 and the season long, a large ear with deep, narrow kernels will ma- 

 ture, while in the more northern districts, where the seasons are com- 

 paratively shorter, a smaller ear with shallower grains, less of the 

 pinch dent, and more of the flinty characteristics, must necessarily be 

 a more desirable type. 



SIZE AND LOCATION OF SELECTION BED. For the 



average Iowa farm of 160 acres, a three-acre selection bed is of 

 sufficient size. This should be preferably an isolated field or in 

 the south or southwest corner of the general field. Should there 



