CORN. 31 
Geographical distribution and history: Corn is undoubtedly 
of American origin. It was grown by the Indians long before the 
discovery of America. The Incas of Peru are said to have built 
large storerooms for it, to prevent famine in case of crop failure. 
It was grown as far north as the St. Lawrence valley when the first 
explorers arrived there. Ears of corn are often found in old Indian 
tombs, deposited with the deceased as provision for the long journey 
to the happy hunting grounds. 
Where or when it was first cultivated, or from what wild plant 
it developed, is not definitely known. It is generally assumed that 
its cultivation started in Central America and spread north and 
south. It has never been found wild. This might either mean that 
wild corn was extinct before botanists could make a record of it, or 
that it is a plant so different from the cultivated form that it is now 
impossible to recognize it. The latter assumption is the one generally 
favoured, and the plant mentioned as the probable primitive form 
is the Mexican Teosinte (Euchlaena mexicana Schrad.). Although 
very different from corn in its general appearance, Teosinte is evi- 
dently closely related to it, as is shown by the fact that hybrids 
obtained by crossing the two produce germinable seeds. Though 
this is not conclusive proof, it is evidence that corn may have de- 
veloped from Teosinte, for in all other known cases hybrids between 
distinct grass species are sterile. 
Climate: Being of southern origin, corn requires a warm, moist 
climate. In the north, where the season is short and the weather 
comparatively cool, only the earliest varieties reach full maturity 
under ordinary conditions. 
Soil: It demands a warm, fertile soil and thrives best in a deep 
rich loam, well drained yet stored with abundant moisture. A good 
supply of organic matter, furnishing readily available plant food, 
will increase the yield considerably. Poor sandy soils, or soils with 
the water table near the surface, do not allow the roots to gather 
sufficient nourishment. In stiff clay, or in soils which form a hard- 
pan subsurface, the growth is slow and the yield uncertain, especially 
in dry weather. 
Varieties: Corn includes hundreds of agricultural varieties. 
This is chiefly due to the readiness with which cross-fertilization 
takes place between individuals of different types. Some varieties 
are dwarfs, no more than eighteen inches high; others are giants, 
