rERFECT FLOWER* IN MAIZE 



349 



Another most interesting ear of perfect flowers was found by 

 chance in a lot of Boone County White Corn, secured from a prominent 

 grower. This variety represents the highest development in modern 

 improved corn. The ear in question was unusually large and well de- 

 veloped, as shown by Fig. 4, the ear weighing about 16 ounces. Fig. 5 

 is a cross-section of the same, showing the presence of stamens with 

 every kernel. Fig. 6 is an enlarged photograph showing both sides of 

 one kernel. On the anterior side are shown three well-developed 

 stamens. On the posterior side, at the very tip and practically em- 

 bedded in the cob, are three small stamens. These are the last remnants 



Fig. 6. Showing both sides of Kernel, from Ear in Fig. 4. Three well- 

 developed stamens shown on posterior side. On the anterior side and embedded in 

 the cob were three rudimentary stamens, remnants of the abortive flower. 



of the abortive flower, described in the former article referred to. This 

 little abortive flower can only be found in the early embryonic stages of 

 development, and usually all trace of its presence is lost except the ex- 

 tra pair of glumes on the posterior side of the kernel. These little 

 stamens, however, indicate that at one time it might have functioned 

 and give us another clue to some of the evolutionary changes that this 

 interesting plant may have gone through. 



