CORN JUDGING 57 



for late fertilization. In many cases the tip kernels are 

 irregular in size. This is due to partial or irregular devel- 

 opment, part of the kernels having been fertilized and part 

 unfertilized, or part of them having been fertilized much 

 later than others. The fertilized kernels swell out into 

 irregular shapes and sizes in an effort to occupy all of the 

 space. If the tip is not fully filled out it is an evidence of 

 some irregularity in development, and it should be marked 

 accordingly. For every exposed tip one inch long make a 

 cut of one point. For less exposed tips make smaller cuts, 

 even down to one or two-tenths. In the ease of irregular 

 kernels on the tip the judge must mark according to the 

 degree of irregularity. The rows of kernels should extend 

 in straight regular order over the tip. 



It is a matter of common experience that more well 

 filled tips are developed in favorable seasons than during 

 unfavorable conditions. It is also true that races having 

 characteristically short ears are likely to have better filled 

 tips than races having large, long ears, grown under simi- 

 lar conditions. It is absolutely necessary that we keep 

 in mind the fact that we are selecting those samples which 

 will tend to grow more corn per acre, and .if long ears 

 not covered over the tips with kernels give the largest 

 yield, this type is most desirable and should be scored 

 accordingly. The cob is an axis bearing the kernels, and 

 the larger the cob, other things being equal, the more 

 kernels can be developed on each ear. However, as between 

 two ears of the same size, grown under similar conditions 

 and for like purposes, one having the tip fully covered 

 with uniform, regular kernels, and the other having the 

 tip uncovered, the covered tip is certainly the most de- 

 sirable; In most cases where the tip is uncovered, the 

 kernels near the tip are small, irregular and in every way 

 undesirable. Therefore these uncovered tips should be 

 cut severely, more so than if all the kernels were of the 



