The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1908-12-25
Maryland Grain and Forage
Crop Growers Association

Prof. Taliaferro, of the Mary land
Agricultural College says:
The grain farmers OF Maryland, as
well as the horticulturisls, have Teason
to feel proud of the display made at the
late Joint exhibition at the The Fifth
Regiment Armory in Baltimore. The
distinct Improvement in the quality
of the grain shown, especially III corn,
was noticebc at a glance and was the
subject # universal comment.
The educational effect Of the Corn
Show of 1907 Las evidently been far
reaching After the awards had been
made, the Judges for practically all tie
remainder of the show stood By the
tables and explained to Lundreds Of
growers the Haiuts involved IN the de-,
cfsioD and reason which Influenced Il eir
iudamcns. Few Of the exhibitors had
had heir attention, directed in such 4
detailed way to the good and bad points
of corn, and there was much discussion
as to the respective merits Of different
uynes and varieties. and the methods by
which improvement might be made.
That these discussions were not fruit
less was clearly shown at the 1903 ex
hihition. 1t was at once evident that
the exhibits ta1 been selected with far
greater care than be ore and represented
more sharply defined ideals On The part
of the exhibitors. In no way was this
more clearly shown than in the g eater
uniformity of the exhibits within them
selves.
Another good sign in the late sbaw
wss the large number Of exhibitors whs
wished 10 have their exhibits returned.
The exhibitors of 1907 apparently did
not as a rule think ten ears Of corr
worth return expressage, In the re-
cent show it was different. A majority
of the exhibitors had evidently put time
and care into the selection Of their corn.
1t was the best thew had, and the9 wish
ed to have it back for seed, even though
it cost something to get it.
The splendid show made by Talbot
and Howard Counties in the corn ex-
hibit received unstinted praise on ali
sides, and illustrated admirably how
important factor local enterprise is in
such undertakings. Public spirited cit
izens of Talbot subscribed fifty dollars
for special county prizes, and Almost
he entire exhibit from Howard was
sent over by the Ellicott City Board OF
Trade, after being first shown at their
annual corn and poultry show
The enterprise shown by these coua-
ties is most commendab!e and well
worthy Of imitation.
The corn shown by Mr.. J. 7. HOPES,
of Hartford County, which won the
sweepstakes prize, was white corn Of
splendid qualify The grains were deer
firm and fully matured. The ears
well shaped, and of as large size as can
be counted on 10 mature in ouT climate
The average weight was one ana one
tenth pounds. Mr.. Hopes is enc OF
The charter members Of the Corr
Breeders Association, ard has been
making close,study of corn breeding
for number Of years. Yet, had the
season on the Eastern Shore been more
favorable, the cup might hive cressee
the bay again.
The small grain exhibits, though
small in number, were excellent il
quality, especially the wheat Fine
samples we've shown Of osts, rye, barley
and buckwheat. Several Of the cxh;b-
is Of small grains were given ~ tie
judges lower grades than they otherwise
would on account of admixture Of weec
seeds, damaged grain or other varieties
The exhibitor of small grains cannot
be too careful in selecting pure, clsa
sample.
The annual show of the Maryland
Cereal. and Forage Crop Breeders
Association has demonstrated its use
fulness as a factor IN the improvement
of our staple crops, and should com
mand the support Of every citizen inter
esied IL the welfare Of The State.