456 CORN 



should be done by hand. It is to be remembered that the kernels from 

 ear No. i are to be planted in row No. i ; ear No. 2 in row No. 2, etc., 

 until each ear will be represented in a row whose number corresponds 

 to the number of the ear. The summer care need be no different from 

 that given to the remainder of the field. The barren stalks, weak stalks, 

 and suckers should be eliminated in like manner as described under 

 "Farmers' Selection Bed." 



Keep a Record. Each row should be carefully studied. A 

 count of the stand should be made. Note the comparative strength 

 of the stalks produced in each row, the percentage of barren stalks, 

 weak stalks, and suckers; also the presence of smut, the height of 

 the ear on the stalk, together with the early maturing qualities. The 

 great contrast in the individuality of different ears of corn as shown 

 in their production will be clearly seen. Complete notes should be 

 made on each row, embodying in detail all the foregoing points men- 

 tioned. These notes will be of assistance when it comes to mating the 

 ears the following season. In the fall, the produce of each ear should 

 be harvested separately, and carefully weighed. For general seed 

 purposes this seed may be very properly saved, especially if chosen 

 from the highest yielding rows which show early maturity. 



Contrast in Yield. It will be found that there is a decided 

 difference in the productivity of ears of corn, even though from all 

 outward appearances they are very similar, and test equally strong 

 in the germination box. The yield per acre may be easily computed, 

 remembering that there are 3,556 hills made by a 3 foot 6 inch plant- 

 er and 3,240 made by a 3 foot 8 inch planter, the two widths most 

 commonly used in the corn belt. Ears may vary in production as 

 much as from 15 to 100 bushels per acre on similar ground under the 

 same cultivation. Close examination of the original ears will never 

 reveal these facts of yield. The individuality of each ear is unlocked 

 only upon trial under field conditions. The value of this individuality 

 then stands in results per acre. 



Individuality of Ears. 



The productive power is now definitely known. For example, ears 

 Nos. 1 and 50 may have yielded 90 bushels and 100 bushels respective- 

 ly, while Nos. 30 and 40 may have produced in turn 20 and 35 bush- 

 els. The locality and fertility of the soil will determine the standard 

 from which to base selections. Some breeders choose all the ears 

 which yield above 70 bushels. Some set the basis lower. Assuming 

 that, from the original 50 ears, 30 have all kept in good shap« and 



