62 THE BOOK Of corn 



much time may be saved. If a mongrel or impover- 

 ished strain be selected, it will require years of the 

 most careful work to get the variety ready for definite 

 improvement. In other words, it will require years 

 to eliminate unfavorable characteristics. For the same 

 reason it is not wise to select a variety the result of a 

 recent cross. There is already so much variation in 

 corn that it is not desirable to begin with a corn which 

 has the characteristics thrown together in confusion. 

 It is better to select one with the characteristics sorted 

 out, and then give them definite direction by selection. 

 Otherwise the undesirable characteristics will crop out 

 from time to time, and will hinder improvement. 



The color of the variety is unimportant, except 

 that there is frequently a prejudice in favor of a 

 particular color in a neighborhood, or among a certain 

 class of corn growers. A farmer who has always 

 grown white corn is apt to fancy that color, and vice 

 versa. In any case, the breeder must select a color 

 that he desires and likes, and which most nearly meets 

 the demand of his market. Otherwise, he will not 

 so readily become attached to his particular strain. 

 It is unwise, however, to begin with any variety which 

 is unusual, as a striped kernel ; it is more judicious to 

 select a solid, deep, strong color. , 



In every case it is very important to begin with a 

 corn which has possibilities for marked improvement. 

 It is essential that the variety have a good-sized kernel 

 with large germ, a medium .to large cob, and a well 

 proportioned ear. In the flint corn, however, a 

 medium to small ear is usually preferred. It is 

 easier to eliminate undesirable features than to build 

 up absent ones. It is also extremely important that 

 the variety have a large, well-developed stalk with 

 broad leaves, and an extensive root development. 

 These provide fof the development of the ear, and 



