168 GRASSES OF IOWA. 



drying, forming flexible threads which are braided into fine 

 strips and these are woven into baskets and other pretty fancy 

 work. He has also found braids of this grass in the camp of 

 the Crow Indians on the Yellowstone. The delicate and last- 

 ing fragrance of the dried leaves gives this grass additional 

 value. 



Maize husks are used extensively in the United States for 

 upho'stering purposes and for the minufacture of matresses 

 aud for similar uses. Horse collars are made of the husks or 

 "shucks" in the south; door mats are also made in some of the 

 northern states, these being very serviceable. Mr. Dodge says 

 the husks are also employed in the manufacture of chip hats 

 in Florida. These, when properly trimmed are both stylish 

 and pretty. 



The corn pith cellulose is employed as a packing material 

 in the c fferdams in connection with the armour plating of 

 United Sta es war ve-Jsels. The corn pith is suitably cleaned 

 and pressed into blocks when it is ready for use. 



An excellent account of the use of corn pith cellulose and 

 other productions of corn may be found in a recent number of 

 the Orange Judd Farmer.* This journal summarizes the vari- 

 ous uses to which the products made from corn stalks m i.y be 

 put: 



"1. Cellulose for packing cofferdams of battleships, this 

 preventing them from sinking when pierced by balls or shells. 



"2. Pyroxylin varnish, a liquid form of cellulose, the uses 

 of which are practicaly unlimited. 



' '3. Cellulose used for nitrating purposes for making smoke- 

 less powder and other high explosives, for both small and 

 great arms, as well as purposes for which dynamite or all other 

 explosives are required in various forms and degrees of 

 strength. 



"4. Cellulose for packing, it being the most non-c?nductor 

 known against heat or electricity, jars or blows. 



"5. Paper pulp and various forms of paper made there- 

 from, both alone and mixed with other grades of paper stock. 



**6. Stock food made from fine ground outer shells or 

 shives of corn s alks, and also from the nodes or joints. The 

 leaves and tassels also furidsh a shredded or baled fodder. 



" 7. Mix'ed feed for stock, containing fine ground shells of 

 shives as a base, and in addition thereto various nitrogenous 



»27:363. 



