172 SOILS AND PLANT LIFE 



to be said in favor of this method, save that the character- 

 istics of ears and kernels may be seen. The chief objec- 

 tions to it are : 



(a) Nothing is known as to the parent plant or its 

 environment. 



(6) It is impossible to determine which ears will yield 

 early-maturing seed. 



(c) The vitality has very probably been seriously im- 

 paired. This will be certainly true unless the corn was 

 thoroughly dry when stored in the crib. 



114. How Selection of Seed may influence the Yield. — 



From the foregoing comparison of methods, it is evident 

 that that of selecting seed corn from the field before the 

 first severe frost occurs in the fall is greatly superior 

 to any other. 



The farmer who selects his supply of seed in this way 

 may reasonably expect to be rewarded by more vigorous 

 plants, a more uniform stand, and consequently by in- 

 creased yields. 



This is particularly true if he has previously taken the 

 precaution to detassel alternate rows in a part or all of his 

 field in the manner explained in the latter part of Section 

 91, and if he now selects his seed supply only from the 

 detasseled rows. 



116. Drying out the Seed. — Even though seed corn 

 is mature and has been gathered in favorable weather, it 

 should be dried as thoroughly as possible. 



This is brought about by putting it in a dry, well venti- 

 lated place where there is a free circulation of air about each 

 ear. At this time the ears should not be allowed to be in 

 contact at any point. 



Unless the ears are thoroughly dried out, moisture, 



