72 THE BOOK OF CORN 



Fig No I shows the box in which are placed folders 

 containing samples of corn to be tested. Fig No 2 

 shows a folder ready to put in the box after the edges 

 have been folded down over the corn. Any box will 

 answer the purpose although the cigar box represented 

 in the cut, or a wooden one like it, is preferable. 



The folders should be thoroughly moistened 

 before placing the corn in them. Put four or five 

 thicknesses of moistened paper in the bottom of the 

 box and as many more over the samples to prevent 

 drying out. Then shut the cover and wrap a string 

 around the box to hold the cover down to prevenj ,the 

 com from drying out, and set away in the sitting 

 room or some place where the temperature does not 

 fall below fifty-five degrees. The best folders are 

 made by taking five or six thicknesses of newspaper 

 and cutting the strips about five by ten inches and 

 folding as shown in the cut. The only precaution 

 necessary is to be sure that the folders are thoroughly 

 moistened before the corn is placed in them for testing. 

 In two or three days it will be well to examine the 

 corn and if the folders are -getting dry, they should 

 be moistened by sprinkling water over them in the 

 box. At the end of five days the sample should be 

 taken out and examined carefully. Every kernel that 

 has not at this time sent out vigorous root and stem 

 sprouts should be counted unfit for seed. The corn 

 ought to test not less than ninety-four to ninety-five 

 per cent. This method has the advantage of requiring 

 very little attention and makes it possible to see 

 whether the kernels are making a uniform and vigor- 

 ous germination, which is very important. Kernels 

 which make a slow, feeble germination are not fit to 

 plant. The practice of unscrupulous seed dealers in 

 the past has justly prejudiced many people against the 

 use of imported seed com. In many <:ases the corn 



