THE SMALL GRAINS 217 



The importance of uniformity in oats is precisely the 

 same as in wheat, that is, it is our only means of judging 

 purity of variety. A mixture of varieties will show varia- 

 tion in one or more of the three respects named. 



Freedom from Foreign Matter. — . Foreign matter in- 

 cludes (1) weed seeds, (2) other grains, and (3) inert 

 matter, the first being most objectionable and the last 

 least so. 



Soundness. — As in the case of wheat, this is deemed an 

 important point to consider in judging seed oats. The 

 grain should be bright, but not green — as .this indicates 

 immaturity — nor yet dull in color. No damp, dis- 

 colored, weathered, immature, musty, moldy, smutted, 

 badly broken or sprouted grains should be present, as these 

 conditions indicate that the vitality has been impaired 

 or destroyed. We do not, however, regard a slight dis- 

 coloration as a very serious matter since it is so commonly 

 found and can not ordinarily be taken as an indication of 

 impaired vitality. 



Proportion of Kernel to Hull. — A high proportion of 

 kernel to hull is, of course, desirable, as it indicates that 

 the feeding value of the grain is high. 



The indications of a high proportion of kernel to hull 

 are (1) a plump kernel, (2) a thin hull, and (3) a short 

 hull without an awn. The opposite conditions, of course, 

 indicate a low proportion of kernel to hull. 



Weight per Bushel. — The indications of a high weight 

 per measured bushel are (1) plump grains of medium size, 

 and (2) a high proportion of kernel to hull, determined as 

 shown above. 



In general, high weight per bushel means that the 

 oats should produce vigorous young plants when sown, 

 owing to the large stores of food in the plump kernels. 



Conclusion. — Which sample do you deem better 



