450 



CORN 



A steady decrease is shown in the per cent of suckers as the thick- 

 ness of planting increases. Where only one kernel was planted, 55 

 per cent of suckers developed. 



Hereditary Influences. All varieties or strains of corn within a 

 variety do not sucker to the same degree. For example, the Legal 

 Tender corn, a good producer and very popular in southwestern Iowa. 

 is inclined to sucker more than the majority of our dent varieties, while 

 on the other hand, the Silver Mine is freer from this tendency. 



Individual ears within a variety diflfer greatly as to the number 



of suckers produced. This will be clearly shown in the following 



table : 



STORY COUNTY 1907. 



MONTGOMERY COTTNTY 1907. 



SELECTING SEED EARS FROM SELECTION BED. The 



latter part of September or the first part of October is, in general 

 throughout the corn belt, the proper time for selecting the early matur- 

 ing seed ears. Having the selection bed in which tbe best seed has 

 been planted, it will be known just where to go in search of the best 

 seed ears for next year's planting. It will then be unnecessary to walk 

 over the large fields in search of the seed. When selecting the early 

 maturing ears, the stalk on which they are found should be examined 

 likewise. 



Examining Ear and Stalk. A study of the growing ear on the 

 stalk is very important. The contrast in height will be found to be 

 reproduced in a marked degree from year to year; likewise the regu- 

 larity of rows and uniformity of kernels together with the early ma- 

 turing qualities. Four feet from the ground to the ear is a desirable 

 height, A lower position is unhandy in husking. If set higher, there 

 is an increased tendency to falling because of wind. A short, thick 

 shank bespeaks vigor and security of the ear from breaking off. Too 

 large shank shows a lack of breeding and is usually accompanied by 



