BOTANY AND VARIETIES I3 



been fixed by the breeder. Some possess character- 

 istics that others do not have. From an examination of 

 the different varieties, a list of the characteristics of 

 com, as shape of ear, cob and kernel, nature of inden- 

 tation, color of grain and cob, character of tip and butt, 

 number of rows of kernels on ear, length and circum- 

 ference of ear, etc, has been made a basis of study of 

 varieties. This list is given here that it may assist 

 breeders to study their varieties of com in a systematic 

 manner. The corn grower can take an average sample 

 of com, and by going through the list of characteris- 

 tics mark the ones possessed by his own variety. He 

 can then take up the study of the characteristics in 

 detail. Following is the list of characteristics : 



Ear — 



Cyfindrical — ^Uniform in circumference from butt to tip. 



Partly Cylindrical — ^Uniform in circumference for a por- 

 tion of length. 



Slowly Tapering — ^Taper slight, regular. 



Distinctly Tapering — ^Taper very apparent. 



Very Tapering — Extremely tapering. 



Too Short for Circumference; Too Long for Circum- 

 ference — Proper proportion of circumference to length is as 

 three to four, or for medium varieties seven and one-half 

 inches to ten inches. 



Rows in Distinct Pairs — Alternate spaces between rows 

 of kernels wider than the others. 



Number of Rows — Counted three inches from butt. 



Rows Lost — ^Disappearing after extending three inches or 

 more from butt. 



Narrow Space Between Rows — Rows pressed closely to- 

 gether. 



Medium Space Between Rows — Distinct furrows. 



Wide Space Between Rows — Wide furrows. 



Circumference of Ear at Butt; Circumference of Ear at 

 Tip — ^Measured two inches from the ends. 



Length of Ear — ^Measured from butt to tip. 



Rows Straight — Parallel with cob. 



Rows Turned to Right; Rows Turned to Left— Rows 

 angle to right or left of a straight line from butt to tip. 



Butt- 

 Even — ^Entire end of cob exposed, with butt kernels at 

 right angles to axis of cob. 



