Considerable attention has been given to to the possible relationships which may exist between various visible characters in the seed ear and the relative ability of such seed to produce satisfactory yields when planted. The extent to which it is possible to influence the yield of corn by selecting seed with certain ear and kernel characters is a question of practical interest to all corn growers.

The practical corn growers of the past, as well as those o f the present, in saving ears for seed, have probably had in mind characters believed to be associated with or contributing to type, maturity, or increased yield.