60 THE BEGINNER'S GARDEN BOOK 



number of any square may easily be calculated. Thus 

 the fourth square in the fifth row will be number fifty-four, 

 the seventh square in the sixth row will be number sixty- 

 seven, and so forth. Of course the squares may be larger 

 than an inch and a half, but it is not convenient to have them 

 much smaller. 



Now in each square are planted the six kernels from the 

 ear which bears the same number. This can be done by two 

 students working together, one taking the kernels from each 

 ear by using a dull knife applied to the edge of the kernel, 

 the other planting the kernels. When they are all planted, 

 the top of the sand is made smooth and firm, and the box 

 set in a warm place. To prevent drying out, it may be 

 covered, or from time to time it may be watered. Watering 

 is done by a watering pot with a fine sprinkler, or by pouring 

 the water on a cloth or piece of paper laid on the middle of 

 the tray. The seed must not be washed out. 



This kind of tester is very good for showing almost at a 

 glance the result of the test. Some squares will presently 

 have six points of green, some fewer, some none. 



Another good tester, but not so interesting, is the sawdust 

 box. This should be about three inches deep. Into the 

 bottom is put an inch of wet sawdust. On a piece of cloth 

 larger than the box is marked the size of the inside of the 

 box, laid out in squares, the squares numbered. This can 

 be done with pencil. The cloth is then laid on the sawdust, 

 and tacked to the box by the edges. On each square are 

 laid the kernels from the proper ear. Finally these are 

 covered by a bag of sawdust, made into a pad an inch thick. 

 This is kept moist, and after the fourth day the box is ex- 

 amined daily. In lifting the pad, the kernels must not be 

 moved from their places. 



The easiest tester to make, smallest, and lightest, is the 



