PART III. FIELD AND ORCHARD CROPS 



• tassel 



— leaves 



internodes 



EXERCISE 30 



THE CORN PLANT 



Statement. Our interest in farm operations is greatly quickened if we understand fully the life 

 habits of the plants and animals which we are raising. Besides, such knowledge points the way to 

 the most successful farm practice. Corn is the most important crop in American agriculture, and this 



plant is more dependent upon man's care than any other of the 

 great cereals. Therefore a detailed knowledge of the corn plant is 

 of the highest importance. 



Object. To learn how the corn plant grows, its structure, and 

 the relationship of its parts. 



Materials. Microscope ; grains of com which have been soaked 

 in water for twenty-four hours; seedlings of corn which were 

 started at periods of one, two, and four weeks before the date of 

 the exercise ; mature corn plants. 



Directions. Study the oldest seedlings and make a sketch show- 

 ing accurately roots, stem, and leaves. Trace these structures back 

 through younger seedlings and finally to the grain, and discover 

 the stages in the development of the different parts. Examine a 

 transverse section of a mature stalk of corn. Describe its struc- 

 ture. Examine a cross section under the microscope and make 

 drawings to show the plant fibers. What are they called, and what 

 purpose do they fulfill ? Note the hard outer fiber around the stalk. 

 What is its use ? Note the shape of the stalk between the joints. 

 Observe the manner in which the leaves are arranged on the stalk. 

 Notice the shape of the leaves and how they are equipped to with- 

 stand a strong wind. Take hold of a leaf near the end and pull it 

 around as if to break it from the stalk. Study the sheath. Notice 

 where it bends and how difficult it is to break from the stalk. 

 What purpose does it serve? Observe how water is prevented, 

 from passing into the sheath. Explain the advantage to the plant 

 of this arrangement. Note the whorls of roots just above the sur- 

 face of the ground. Explain their value. Explain how a corn plant 

 assumes an upright position after having been blown over by a wind. 



Questions. Is the shape of the internodes of any advantage to the plant? What is the most 

 valuable part of the plant to man ? Is the remainder of the plant of any value ? In what respects ? 

 Name as many products as possible that are made from the corn plant. About how many days does 

 it require for corn to mature from the date of seeding? What is the average yield of corn in your 

 community? What is the highest yield? What is the average yield for the United States? 



References. Waters, H.J. Essentialsof Agriculture, pp. 26-27, 138. Ginn and Company. Montgomery, 

 E. G. The Corn Crops, pp. 26-38. The Macmillan Company. Myrick, Herbert. The Book of Corn, p. 6. 

 Orange Judd Company. Duggar, J. F. Southern Field Crops, pp. 80-88. The Macmillan Company. 



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Fig. 32. Parts of the corn plant 



