156 



SOILS AND PLANT LIFE 



(3) An ear too heavy for its size and easily twisted, 

 owing to the presence of excessive moisture. 



This is called sap- 

 piness. When such 

 seed is stored, we 

 know what an enemy 

 this moisture will be- 

 come. (Sections 35 

 and 43.) 



(4) An ear shoeing 

 blistered germs. 



This again indi- 

 cates immaturity and 

 makes its vitality 

 questionable. 



(5) An ear showing 

 di s colored germs, 

 varying from yellow 

 to black, when the 



Fig. 5s. — Mouldy corn. 



seedcoat is opened ^^^th a knife blade. 



Such discoloration is an indication of a weakened or 

 dead germ. 



Fig. 59. — A chaffy ear. 



(6) An ear showing either at the crowns of its kernels or 

 down their backs a white color in patches. 



