ESSEX SOCIETY. 115 



species might be described, but it is sufficient to say, they pro- 

 bably all sprung from the common yellow, and that they differ 

 from each other in the color, form and size of the grains, and 

 in the time of maturity. 



Indian corn ripens at a time when most other grains have 

 been harvested. It therefore gives employment when there 

 would naturally be but little else to do. 



But what gives to Indian corn its great importance, is the 

 actual amount of nutritive matter which it contains. It is said 

 to be third in this respect, wheat and rice containing a some- 

 what greater amount, though many place maize second only to 

 wheat. We have the analysis of Indian corn, which may be 

 given as follows : — 



Silica, - - - 38.45 



Potassa, - - 19.51 



Phos. of Lime, - - 17.17 



Phos. of Magnesia, - 13.83 



Phos. of Potassa, - 2.24 



Carbonate of Lime, - 2.50 



Carb. of Magnesia, - 2.16 

 Sulph. of Lime and Magnesia, .79 



Silica, mechanically found, 1.70 



Alumina and loss, - 1.65 — 100 



making in all, one hundred parts. In other words, we may say, 

 on the authority of Dr. Dana, of Lowell, there are in it of 



Fat forming principles, gums, &c., - 88.43 

 Flesh forming principles, gluten, &c., 1.26 



Water, - - - - - 9 



Salts, ----- 1.31—100 



A glance will show how greatly the fat forming principles 

 predominate in the one hundred parts. There is hardly any 

 grain which yields so much for the support of animal life. 

 The difficulties and contingencies of raising wheat in the east- 

 ern parts of Massachusetts, have discouraged its cultivation, so 

 that we may say that Indian corn, is by far the most profitable 



