WHAT IS AN EAR OF CORN? 



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ear-like structure is almost enclosed in the leaf sheaths; in the fourth 

 step only the well developed central spike remains, and is entirely en- 

 closed in the leaf sheaths, owing to the shortening of the internodes 



Fig. 3. a, Central spike of tassel bearing pairs of spikelets in eleven rows; b, lateral 

 branch of tassel bearing pairs of spikelets in two rows; c, tassel in which central spike is de- 

 veloped into an ear. 



below. The last step illustrates a well developed ear, also showing the 

 much shortened internodes below, and the very greatly reduced leaves, 

 which in the highest types of corn completely disappear, leaving only 



