WEATHERWAX: THE EVOLUTION OF MAIZE 319 
The plant makes a very ready response to conditions of soil 
and climate, and herein lies the main cause of its variability. 
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Fic. 20. Tassel of teosinte Fic. 21. Portion of a spike of a teosinte tassel. 
Rich, wet soil and warm weather are most favorable for luxuriant 
growth. Plants are not injured by standing for some time in 
water a foot deep. Under favorable conditions the stems often 
Fic. 22. Portion of a corn tassel. The lateral spikes, LL, are jointed to the 
in axis, which continues into the central spike, C. Fic. 23. Part of a tassel of 
‘teosinte;. all the spikes are jointed to the main axis. : 
