6 BULLETIN 102, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
(2) Standard alkali solution: Hundredth normal potassium hy- 
droxid (KOH) solution has been found to be the solution best adapted 
for making this determination, but hundredth normal sodium 
hydroxid (NaOH) solution will be found satisfactory if potassium 
hydroxid is not obtainable. The standard alkali solution should be 
prepared from the fused KOH or NaOH sticks, purified by alcohol, 
or bought ready for use from a dealer in fine chemicals, as the one 
making the test desires. The solution is apt to deteriorate on standing 
for any considerable length of time, and for that reason it is best to 
buy or make up in small quantities. 
(3) Phenolphthalein: A solution of phenolphthalein containing 
one gram of phenolphthalein in 300 c. c. of alcohol has been found to 
Fig. 6. — Filter stand, showing arrangement of funnels, graduates, flasks, and beakers. 
be the most satisfactory indicator. Be careful to mix the solution 
thoroughly. 
(4) Distilled water. 
DEGREE OF ACIDITY OF CORN. 
CORN SELECTED FOR SEED. 
Table I shows the degree of acidity and the percentage of germina- 
tion of corn selected for seed. The samples from the crop of 1912 
represent Illinois corn selected by individual farmers. The samples 
from the crops preceding 1912 represent corn selected for seed by 
various State experiment stations, except that the samples from 
