SHOW COBN 



257 



the tip end is allowed. Full depth of grain should extend 

 almost to the very tip of the ear. 



Type of kernel. — A good kernel of large dent com 

 should be about seven-eighths inch in length and 

 three-eighths in width, if 

 an eighteen-row ear, but 

 narrower if more rows. 

 The kernels should fit close 

 from tip to crown, being 

 somewhat keystone shaped. 

 The kernels should be fairly 

 thick, averaging in the row 

 about six kernels to the 

 inch. The kernel tip should 

 be full and square ; the germ, 



large, plump, and of good Fig. 90. — Cross-section of very 

 color and tPYfiire deep-kerneled type of dent corn 



COlor ana xexiure. commonly known as hackberry. 



GROWING SHOW CORN 



185. The seed must come from a good show strain 

 with many generations of selection for type. The soil 

 should be naturally good corn soil, and everything done 

 to put the soil in perfect condition, by proper rotation, 

 manuring, and tillage. The soil, however, can be too rich 

 in nitrogen for best results, as the plant is then inclined to 

 run too much to stalk rather than ear. The soil should 

 be rich in available minerals. Good show ears seldom 

 come from the portion of field where the growth is rankest, 

 but rather from a part where growth of stalk is normal 

 but ears large. 



The rate of planting should be rather thin, about two- 

 thirds normal stand. 



