The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-08-24

length of ear gives the largest yields
of grain on a given area of land.
Nearly all corn growers associations
at present have adopted standards
ranging from to l0.5 incheA
| Longer or shorter ears than these
standards do not give so high yields
when planted under the same condi-
tions as do those that comply. There
Is some difference between varieties in
this respect Al the present time the
tendency for most corn breeders Is to
make all varieties conform to the
same standard. The most desirable
is 10 inches
The measurements should be made
with a ruler. All excuses and def
ciencies from the standard should be
added together. Cut one point for
each inch of total variation from the
standard, Example: Suppose "a sam
pie of ten ears measured as follows:
9.5, 10, 10. 9.75. 10.5. 3. 10. 10.5 and
IL inches. The mental calculation
made while taking the measurements
would be g. plus 0, plus 0, plus rs.
plus 0, plus IS. plus 1, plus 0. plus s.,
would be 10 less 9.7b or SIS. Differ
ences of less than one-fourth of an
inch need not be considered.
Circumference OF Ear, s Points.
The circumference Is measured with
a tape line at point about three
inches from the butt of the ear. The
standard circumference should be
three-fourths the length. or rs inches
when the standard length is 10 inches
Measure each ear and add together
all excuses and deficiencies from the
standard. Deduct g OF point for
each total Inch Of Variation from the
standard.
Space Between Rows, 10 Points.
There should be no broad. deep fur
rows between the rows of kernels.
This point more than any other re-
fleets the care with which the crop
has been improved by careful breed
ing 4 space OF not over one thirty
second OF an inch between the crowns
Of grains in adjoining rows should be
considered perfect. For each ear with
spaces one -sixteenth of an inch wide,
cut as of point: fot each ear with
spaces one eighth of an inch or more.
cut one full point. The scorer must
use his own Judgment for widths not
given in the above list and for In
stances where the spaces are not of
the uniform width OF the whole ear.
Space Between Kernels, 5 Points.
There should be no appreciate diff
ference between kernels in the row.
To make an examination OF this. 1t is
necessary 10 remove u lew heTHclS
from the middle portion of the ear.
The opening made for the study of
the shape OF kernels will serve for
this also. Spaces between the base
of kernels as viewed from the side of
the row ar very Objectionable. They
show lack OF maturity and weak
vitality. A looeeness OF kernels In
the row, as evidenced by working
them with the thumb. IL also objec-
tionable. Cut Is OF a point for each
ear that is badly at fault in this re-
spect.
Per Cent of Corn, 10 Points.
In order to score this point exactly,
the sample OF corn should be weigh
led -sll4elleda -asati tAe---s grain weighed
BY dividing the weight OF the shelled
corn by the weight before Smelling and
cent OF grain. A very good sample
will shell out sS per cent. This Is
taken as a standard. Cut one point
over every per cent below the stand
ard.
1t is sometimes inconvenient to shell
the sample. so eacn student should
practice guessing on the per cents OF
by actual weights. In q short time
It will be found possible to make
very accurate estimate.
Taking the case of Mike" Doniin
as a criterion, the quickest way for
ball player to cover the distance
from the major league to the minors
is evidently to be found in. an over
powering desire to shine a. a foot
light celebrity. "Rube" Maruuard,
who had ambitions in this direction.
has reason to think over Doniin's ex-
perisnce and congratulate himsslf on
the fate he 20 narrowly eocAped VI