12 BULLETIN 1011, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
The plants from the mutilated seeds were shorter and weaker in 
appearance than those from the entire seeds during the first six or 
eight weeks of growth. Later, the differences in height largely dis- 
appeared, and when harvested the different lots were approximately 
of the same average height. In general, the plants from the entire 
seeds were the most vigorous throughout the season, although there 
were exceptional plants from the injured seeds that equaled them. 
In United States Selection No. 193 the plants from the injured seeds 
were inferior to the plants from the entire seeds in average production 
to the plant and in average weight of ear but surpassed the check 
plants in number of ears to the plant except those from the -eross 
sections, which were inferior in every respect. The number of nodes 
above ground was slightly less in the plants from the injured seeds 
than those from the entire seed. 
The data on the yields and prolificacy shown in Table III have been 
presented as evidence of the extent to which plants from seeds so 
severely mutilated could recover to a condition of normal growth and 
reproduction rather than as a comparison of the productivity of the 
different lots of seed. 
SUMMARY. 
The effects of the mutilations of the seed coats and endosperms 
may be summarized as follows : 
(1) The stands were less than from the check seed. The poorest 
stands were obtained from the dehulled seed. This was not due to 
decreased viability, but evidently to weakened ability to* withstand 
field conditions. 
(2) Seedlings from mutilated seed in general were smaller than 
those from the check seed. The least difference was between the 
starchless class and the check. In some instances the seedlings from 
the two classes were not distinguishable in size and vigor. Seedlings 
from the dehulled class were noticeably smaller than those from the 
check seed. Seedlings from the germs were much smaller, more 
slender, and had narrower leaves than those from the check seed. 
(3) The height of plants at maturity was not definitely affected, 
and it bore no consistent relation to the height of the check plants. 
(4) The development of the plants was retarded, pollen shedding 
and ripening, in general, being later than in the checks. 
(5) The average number of ears to the plant was reduced. The 
only exception was the dehulled class, which exceeded the check in 
the general average. 
(6) The average weight of ears and the yield of the plant were less 
than in the checks. The degree of reduction was fairly consistent 
with the extent of the mutilations. 
(7) The reductions in yield were equivalent to 7 to 10 bushels to 
the acre. 
