564 
Seed-Breeding. 
[August, 
forage plant if small and thus easily cured) and as having a 
direct bearing on the storage of the crop. A small-cobbed 
corn can be binned in larger piles and earlier in the season 
than a coarse-cobbed corn, with less danger from mould, and 
is earlier to be husked and earlier to be binned, and earlier 
to be shelled and marketed, on account of the small cob 
drying out its moisture more readily and quickly. Then 
length of ear, as diminishing the labour of husking. Then 
depth of kernel and closeness of packing on the cob, a most 
evident economy. Then uniformity of kernel, as adapting 
the grain to more varied uses. Then colour, as having a 
relation to ease in marketing, because if one coloured corn 
sells more readily than another coloured corn, it is more 
desirable to be grown. 
We would also call attention to the importance of securing 
adaptability to climate, and to the farm. This can be ob- 
tained by closely watching the corn of the farm, and using 
the evident changes produced by the locality to influence our 
selection. If there is a difficulty in keeping a 12-rowed 
variety from changing to an 8-rowed variety ; that is to say, 
that if the 8-rowed ears are constantly appearing in the crop 
planted from a 12-rowed seed, then it is probable that your 
selection had better be towards the 8-rowed variation, rather 
than attempting to retain the 12-rowed. 
The improvement of seed corn through systematic effort, 
guided by careful study of what faCts we possess, has scarcely 
yet attracted the attention it deserves. Success, it seems to 
us, can be hoped for, and he who undertakes it understand- 
i ugly must win some degree of success, sufficient at least to 
amply repay for the trouble and care, besides the satisfaction 
which shall attend the effort. It is for farmers to assist such 
an effort by demanding good seed, and by paying for good 
seed a price sufficient to remunerate the grower . — From the 
Report of the Secretary of Conn. Board of Agriculture, 1878. 
