The Corn Rack

The corn rack consists of strips through which l0d nails are driven at an angle; each nail to support one ear of corn. This provides room for 100 ears, thus making it possible to test at least one bushel of corn at one time.

Prepare the ten strips and insert the nails as shown in the drawing. It will probably be necessary to bore for the nails to avoid splitting the strips. The boring should be done at a definite angle (Chapter II., Paragraph 12).

Inside Leveling Strip

On the inside of the tray you are to nail leveling strips which will receive the brads for the dividing string. Nail these strips in position as shown by dotted lines in the drawing. Drive small brads into the top edges of these strips to receive the string which divides the tray into equal spaces, as shown in the drawing.

Finishing

It is not necessary for the seed corn rack to be given a coat of any sort of finishing material. However, it will be much more durable if well painted (Chapter IV., Paragraph 52).

The Use Of The Seed Corn Tester

The seed corn tester is used to make a germinating test of seed corn. The tray of the tester should be filled with fine sand; level with the top of the strips. The strings should be stretched, as shown in the drawing. Choice corn should be selected, two kernels taken from near the butt of the ear, two from near the middle of the ear, and two from near the tip of the ear. These six kernels should be planted in a row in one of the little divisions of the tester marked out by the string. This ear should then be hung on the strip on the nail which corresponds in number to the division in which the kernels are planted. In like manner the entire corn tester should be filled; it should be kept in a warm place, and the sand moistened frequently for a few days until the kernels sprout, and send the little corn plants above the surface. You can then tell the. exact vitality of each ear by noticing the sprouts put forth by the kernel taken from that ear. Sometimes it will be found that the kernels near the butt will grow well, while those in the middle of the ear will grow only moderately well, and those near the tip very poorly. In this case the ear should be discarded, or only the butt portion used for seed. Only ears of strong vitality should be used for seed.

After the seed corn tester has been used to test out the corn for the spring planting the tray may be filled with dirt and used to raise tomato, cabbage or other plants for early spring planting.

Optional and Home Projects Employing Similar Principles.

Sand Table

1. A sand table for the use of primary classes may be prepared in the same manner in which the tray of the seed corn tester is made. It may be made as wide and long as local needs may demand.

Soil Bins

2. In connection with the work in agriculture, some sort of storage bin is required in caring for the samples of soil which must be kept on hand. By making the legs very much longer, several bins may be installed, one above the other.