CHAPTER VII. 



On the topping of the Corn, and on the Mode 

 of stacking the Tops. 



117. The plate on the opposite page (Plate II) 

 represents a Corn Plant which is topped. By 

 referring back to Plate I, you will perceive that the 

 top is taken off, with the tassel upon it, and with 

 some of the leaves or blades attached to it. In 

 Plate II, a represents the point at which the 

 TOP is cut ofF^ b,b,b, the three ears covered 

 with their husks; d,d,d, are little bunches of 

 the dead silk that remain after the rest of the silk 

 has been dried away ; c, c, the stalk. There 

 arc, generally, some leaves shorter or longer that 

 come out of the ears ; that is to say, that grow 

 out of the point of the husks : these are not 

 always taken off quite clean ; but, if the thing 

 were done, in a manner perfectly well, the plant, 

 when topped and bladed, would be as it staiwls in 

 Plate II. 



118. First, we must speak of the season of 

 topping. This season is not to be fixed on by 

 the months, or by the days of the month, any 

 more than the time for cutting wheat or for 



