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Show flGRlGULTURE I HOW TO PREPARE SHEAF GRAIN AND GRASS SAMPLES SAM-PLES FOR EXHIBITION. EXHI-BITION. ': j The importance of an early sclcc-y tlon.of samples of small grains for the sheaf display at the National. Corn exposition, to be held at Omaha Dc-cember Dc-cember 9 to 19, 1908, should not 'be overlooked by the intending exhibitors. exhibi-tors. The greatest care should be observed in making these selections; only the very choice straws carrying fully developed heads. Cut these off close to the ground with a .sharp knife. When large bundles have been secured sort theni over for uniform, typical heads and uniform length and perfectness of straw. The process of curing is the next feature of the wprk. Spread the selected se-lected samples out on the grass to bleach and cure in the sunshine, being be-ing .careful to keep them guarded from all moisture, rain or dew, until they arc well cured, which may require re-quire from one to three days depending de-pending upon the weather andf the ripeness of the straw when cut.- As soon as they arc in a satisfactory .condition .con-dition of outdoor treatment strip, the blades off carefully, so as not to bruise or break the straw. The reserve samples mr.y now b collected into small bundles, not to exceed one to two inches in diameter, tic them with muslin or other, soft string and hang up in a light,, dry room, heads down, and let them hang until perfectly cured. These smaller bundles arc usually consolidated 'into larger bundles or sheaves of approximately approxi-mately four inches in diameter and tied with ribbon; one band just below be-low the heads, one tat the center of the sheaf and one "four to six inches" from the butt of -sheaf. I These sheave? may be loosely wrap-j.cd wrap-j.cd with cheese cloth. Some of Highest Hig-hest expert exhibitors let the small bundles hang from the coiling until ready to exhibit, then put tlicm into h'.rger shcayes, b'clicving Hliat the hanging position is. tjc; .afest and best for retaining the shape of head and making a bright, attractive exhibit. ex-hibit. All samiples for hQ - djchibjtion '.. should be kept free from dust and away from mice and the house fly, as all these arc damaging to exhibition quality. In grasses the reverse condition applies in their preparation for show. All samples when gathered should be cured in a dry, dark place, and be excluded from the liglitt and air by wrapping and storing where they will return their natural green and fresh appearance. |