CORN JUDGING 61 



them directly in front of the ear with tip of kernel point- 

 ing toward the ear. In this position the comparative 

 shape, size, etc., can easily be noted by the judge. The 

 judge should note the ears to see if the kernels are 

 uniform in all parts of the ear. For instance, if the ears 

 are rough, note that all the kernels are rough, or vice versa. 

 A rough kernel usually indicates a deep kernel. In dent 

 corn the tip of 1he kernel is first packed with food for 

 the use of the young plant and matures first. As the 

 season advances the rest of the kernels fill and mature. 

 The seed coats of the kernel are developed far in advance 

 of the development of the food in the kernel. As the 

 grain approaches maturity the kernel dries, hardens and 

 contracts, and the seed coat at the top of the kernel is 

 drawn down into stored up food. This is the cause of the 

 indentation. The deeper the dent, the greater have been 

 the possibilities of development of the depth or length of 

 the kernel. 



Count the number of ears having generally uniform 

 kernels and mark in proportion to the number of uniform 

 kernels. For instance, if there are five sets of uniform 

 kernels, and the ears from which the samples were taken 

 have uniform kernels, mark the sample 2.5 points for uni- 

 formity of kernels. Of course the 1xve ears that have 

 been counted as uniform will not be absolutely uniform, 

 neither will the other fiYe ears be non-uniform, and the 

 proportion will about average up the true value of the 

 sample on this point. 



Shape of Kernels 



The shape of the kernel will vary with the variety. 

 However, in general, the kernels should be wedge-shaped. 

 This wedge shape permits the greatest possible amount 

 of grain to the cob. The tips of the kernels are set on the 



