ADAPTATION TO THE WANTS OF MAN. 



THE consumption of maize by the human family, 

 and by nearly all domestic animals, has greatly in- 

 creased within the last few years. As an article of 

 food it is unsurpassed, and in the opinion of many 

 unequalled, by any other grain or plant, combining, 

 as it does, in suitable proportions, all the essential and 

 valuable elements required for healthfulness and nu- 

 trition. 



It appears from chemical analysis that Indian corn 

 contains more oil and starch than wheat, with rather 

 less gluten ; and therefore, while scarcely inferior to 

 that grain in nutritive value, far surpasses it, as well 

 as the other cereals, in its fattening properties, which 

 amount to nearly eighty per cent, of its composition. 

 In point of nourishment it is second only to wheat, 

 and even here the superiority of the latter is rather 

 nominal than real ; for if due allowance is made for 

 the loss sustained by wheat in grinding and bolting, 

 it will be found that a pound of corn yields quite as 

 much nourishment as a pound of wheat. It is nearly 



