Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1886 [PAGE 199]

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191

DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES.

Learning.—For three or four years past we have grown this variety more largely than any other. It has been widely disseminated and has been greatly praised and equally strongly condemned. Originating or improved in southern central Ohio, it naturally is not well adapted for northern latitudes. On the University farm it is productive and matures well in any fairly favorable season. Its bright yellow color, and its firm, well-shaped kernel are in its favor. Its cob is rather large at the butt, and the ear usually tapers mere than is desirable. Selection has somewhat improved it. Champaign.—We have given this name to a yellow dent grown by us for the first time in 1S88, but which has been grown by a few good farmers near Champaign for a number of years. It has not been very carefully selected so far as uniformity of type is concerned, but has, as general characteristics, a comparatively short, thick ear, uniform in diameter; the kernels of good depth and shape. The best ears impress one as remarkably desirable. Murdoch.—For a number of years past we have regarded this as the best of the smaller and quite early-maturing varieties which we have tested. In appearance and general characteristics it resembles somewhat the Pride of the North, and North Star, but is larger than either of these varieties. It matures in from two to three weeks less time than the larger varieties grown commonly, and yields fairly well, in many cases, however, lacking ten bushels per acre of the yield of our "main crop - ' varieties. It is well liked by us for early fall feeding. In 1886 we began feeding cattle with it August 15,—and for very late planting, if this should become necessary from any cause. The ears are smafl to medium in size, exceptionally well formed; the kernels of only moderate depth, but especially firmly fixed and solid in texture, remarkably heavy for bulk. This variety has been somewhat largely distributed, and we have had many favdrable reports from it. In favorable seasons it has given good results as far north as central Minnesota. Burr's White, and Monticello.—These two varieties of white Dent corn have" been grown in this vicinity for a number of years. The first is the result of selection by the farmer whose name it bears. The history of the other is not known. They much resemble each other, and are good representatives of the type of white corn which seems best adapted to this region. The ears are of good size, and both varieties yield well, maturing as early as large varieties can be expected to. The cob of the Burr's White is the smaller, as will be seen by reference to a table given elsewhere. This variety made a conspicuously bad showing in 1886 in the matter of barren stalks. This is believed due largely to more direct exposure to a wind storm. It will also be noticed that the Monticello gave quite the largest percentage of stalks producing two ears. Champion White Pearl.—This variety has not sustained, with us, the reputation claimed for it. Eesembling those just described, it is somewhat later in maturing, the ears are lighter; more space between the rows and between the kernels. Smith's Miced Dent.—This variety was obtained by us from Marengo, in the northern part of the State, three years since. It is