82 



SOUTHERN FIELD CROPS 



the surface, a series of brace-roots (Fig. 32) . These slope 

 downward and outward, and on reaching the soil they serve 

 the purpose of bracing ^_ the plant. On enter- 

 ing the soil, the brace- H roots become smaller 

 and help to supply the plant HL with food and water. 

 82. Stem. The stem ^B of the corn plant is 

 solid or filled with pith, and tapers to the top. 

 The usual height is 5 to 15 feet. A height 



above 10 feet is probably an H indication of wasted 



FIG. 32. BRACE-BOOTS ON THE CORN PLANT. 



On the paper at the bottom of the picture are two detached brace-roots, 

 showing how they branch in the soil. 



energy, the proportion of stem being larger than necessary 

 to the production of the maximum amount of grain. 



Since the corn plant must stand much strain from wind, it 

 is so constructed as to resist or escape or withstand wind pressure. 

 For example, devices for this purpose are found in the tapering 

 stem, the presence of brace-roots, the strength of the outer layer 

 or rind, the solid partitions at the nodes, and the peculiar form of 

 the leaf. 



