FARM CROPS. 87 



Classification. Zea Mays, commonly known as In- 

 dian corn, is divided into six species-groups by Dr. 

 E. S. Sturtevant,* as follows: 



i. Zea Indentata. The Dent Corns. The hard 

 flinty part of the kernel called corneous endosperm is 

 at the sides of the kernel in dent corn. The soft white 

 mealy part of the kernel called starchy endosperm is 

 contained in the kernel between the hard flinty por- 

 tions, and reaches from the tip to the top of the ker- 

 nels. In the process of drying out or maturing of the 

 kernels, the summit or top of the kernel is drawn in, 

 due to the shrinkage of the starchy endosperm, and in 

 this manner the tops of the kernels become indented 

 in various ways and shapes. The kernels are usually 

 long, angular, and generally fit closely together on the 

 cob. The ears are large, bear a comparatively large 

 number of rows of kernels, and a large number of ker- 

 nels in the row. The heart or germ surrounded by 

 fatty food substances is comparatively large, indicat- 

 ing rich feeding value and early vigorous growth of 

 the sprouting kernels when planted in the soil or other- 



* Dr. Sturtevant, the celebrated authority in the classification of 

 Zea Mays, published an interesting bulletin on the subject, No. 57, 

 of the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. 



TYPES OF CORN KERNELS. 



