60 THE BOOK OF CORN 



In every case it is very important to begin with a 

 corn which has possibilities. In the animal this would 

 be called constitution. This so-called constitution in 

 corn consists of a good-sized kernel with large germ, a 

 medium to large cob, and a long ear. In the flint corn, 

 however, a medium to small ear -is usually preferred. 

 It is easier to trim down undesirable features than to 

 build up absent ones. It is also extremely important 

 that the variety has a large, well-developed stalk with 

 broad leaves, and an extensive root development. This 

 provides for the development of the ear, and makes it 

 possible to bring about almost any desired im- 

 provement. 



Influence of Soil on Development — The soil upon 

 which the corn is to be grown has a very important 

 influence on the character of the variety. A poor soil, 

 or a soil deficient in any element of fertility, or one 

 which is in poor mechanical condition, will produce 

 poor stalks and poor ears. On the other hand, a soil 

 having the proper proportions of the elements and 

 handled so as to be in the best possible mechanical 

 condition, will give the best results. It is further neces- 

 sary to rotate the crops on the soil. If corn is grown 

 year after year upon the same field, numerous insect 

 enemies accumulate and little opportunity is given for 

 the development of corn. The ideal conditions of soil 

 seem to be the prairie loam of the Mississippi valley, 

 so rotated as to include leguminous crops, assisted by 

 judicious applications of manure. If the soil is found 

 to be lacking in any particular, the deficient element 

 should be supplied in some way, as by commercial 

 fertilizer. 



Thorough underdrainage is absolutely necessary 

 for a successful corn breeding field. This is true in 

 order that the best possible mechanical condition be 

 maintained. All superfluous water is drained off 



