NORTH-CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 27 



SHEATHS. 



Silica 39.66 



Earthy phosphates. 7.54 



Lime, 1.58 



Magnesia, 58 



Potash, 5.57 



Soda 9.26 



Chlorine, 2.20 



Sulphuric acid, 8.92 



In the sheaths the earthy phosphates and alkalies are much 

 less than in the leaves. In the cobs too the earthy phosphates 

 are less than in the kernels; it seems, therefore, that each 

 part or organ has its own peculiar composition. To complete 

 this view of the composition of the plant of the maize, I sub 

 join an analysis of the stalks; thus, they contain: 



Silica, 8.78 



Earthy phosphate, 10.30 



Lime, 1.92 



Magnesia, 0.64 



Potash, 11.08 



Soda, 17.09 



Chlorine, 7.42 



Sulphuric acid, 7.38 



It should be observed that these several analyses were 

 made of a single plant, and the proportions are those belong 

 ing to the plant, or its parts, and not properly percentages. 

 The ash was obtained from all the leaves, or stalks, and kern 

 els, and the whole ash obtained analyzed. Hence the differ 

 ence of composition of those parts are presented in a strong 

 light, as well as in a true proportion. 



From the foregoing it will be perceived that where a crop 

 is to be manured or a fertilizer applied, it is not sufficient to 

 apply the earthy phosphates, for we perceive that every organ 

 or part requires all the elements whick we iind in them. 

 The notion, therefore, should be dispelled, that bone earth is 

 the main fertilizer for the maize crop, or that it is enough to 

 furnish substances which consist of elements found in the grain 

 or fruit. For the perfection of the crop it is necessary that 

 the leaves and stalks, tassel and cobs should be furnished with 

 appropriate elements of food as well as the grain ; for that the 



