Norwich bulletin., 1918-03-06
A LAST CALL TO CORN GROWERS,
Carr shOuid Be Taken To See That
 Seed is Saved.

A large number of tests of carefully drawn samples of corn from all parts iof the state made at the agricultural station at New Haven show that only aoout forty per cent of them are suit able for seed. Many kernels show 'wrirl1led or pinrply spots, which mark frost injury, while others, which appear perfectly sound, do not sprout for the germ has been frosted.
 The vitality of seed cannot be. safely 5udEed from it's looks.
 All corn to be used for seed should be tested now. This can be done at home by following these directions:
 Ras-Doll" !" Method One of the cheapest as well as most convenient and accurate methods of testing seed corn Is the so-called Rag -Doli.' To make this tester. cut lanton flannel liuto strips inches wide and from 'to $ feet long. With heavy pencil idraw a line through the middle of the strip, then Etarting inches from one end mark of into 3ls to inch squares and number each sQuare on the smooth ride of the flannel Now wet the cloth ard lay out on a table; then place six lyernels from ear No. in square No .EDd so on until all the squares have been filled. Be careful not to mix the Kernels in di-erent squares. When the cloth Is filed, roll it up; starting with sz stick or bent cardbeoard as a core Don't try to roll it vexy tightly, and tie loosely. Soak trese ''rag-dolls ioper night, then lay on some sticks so they can drain out end ccver with a box or pail. Leave for to F days at se0 degrees to 75 degrees r; then care flily unroll and count the ger1nimation Discard ears failing 10 germinate. Ii you have plenty of seed use only per fcctiy germiDatmg ears. If you arc as1ort of seed, plant more heavily.
 NOTES-Before using any cloth for a second test bo1 thoroughly to kill all 1noulds that might cause rOtting.
 n not possible to test the seed al home the station will test the seed as lar as Its facilities permit. if the following directions are followed:
 First take a sample of at least a oushel of ears from all parts of the crib without selection. Take a pari from the middle of the heap and from near the bottom if possible Then sheI ule com carefully mix the kernels pack a half pint of the mixed kernels securely and send by parcel post ad. dresSed to the Connecticut Experfraen, Stz1on. New Haven with your name 1rd address on the package. At tht same time send a postal to the station giving all of the following particulars. Name of variety, name and address o- grower. how much, if any. for sale year grown C191e seed may be mucl better than 1917 seed). Usually a re port can be made in about one weel unless the number of samples received at any time exceeds the capacity of in. germinators. All seed will be tekted i, the order which it is received wi4h th, cat2 mentioned above.
 Those who find that their seed Ii unsatisfactory may be referred to thoz who have tssted seed to sell hy aDpIy Ing uo theT county agents or to in Agronony Department. ConpexScu Agriculeurai College. Storrs, Conn.
 Neglect to;pzUye the vitality of sec, Ey testing is very likely this wear f, result in defective stand and tiisza n potuttng crops of corn.-Connectic,, Experiment Station,