44 THE BOOK OF USEFUL PLANTS 



germ and the horny portion, both rich in food 

 elements. Now the germs are ground and pressed 

 to extract the oil, which is exported to European 

 countries where it is considered one of the best 

 lubricants. It is used also in soap-making, and 

 for cooking. A process of vulcanizing converts it 

 into a substitute for rubber. 



Dextrine, a valuable gum, is a by-product of the 

 starch and glucose factories. Alcohol and whiskey 

 are made from the fermentation of the whole grain. 

 Ground fine, the flour and meal of corn are among 

 the best cereal foods, though the abundant oil is 

 likely to become rancid in a short time. 



Corncobs are an excellent fuel. They are 

 burned in the engines that drive corn threshers 

 and other farm machinery. Corncob pipes are 

 made of quantities of them. The stalks, leaves, 

 and husks yield fibre suitable for use in making 

 papers and varnishes. Nothing is so good as corn- 

 stalk pith to pack the water-tight compartments 

 behind the armor plates of battleships. Corn 

 silks are used in making filters. The husks have 

 long been woven into door mats and stuffed into 

 mattresses. Dry stalks make winter pasture for 

 cattle and horses. Green corn is put into silos to 

 feed dairy cattle in winter. Cut up, it makes part 

 of a balanced ration for stock and poultry, espe- 



