CORN. 



ORIGIN. 



This wonderful product, which has conferred more sub- 

 stantial benefits on the world, as well as indirectly inflicting 

 more ills on the human race than any or all others known 

 to civilization, strange to say, is of unknown origin 

 wrapped in mystery, or at least is not definitely fixed. A 

 learned author, after much thought and investigation, con- 

 cludes with the expression : " Like that of wheat and bar- 

 ley, its origin is lost in the twilight of antiquity." 



Scientifically speaking it belongs to the natural order 

 Graminece, and is a moncecious grass. Linnaeus adopted 

 as the specific name of his genus zea, " to live," " affording 

 sustenance to animals." Its botanical nomenclature is 

 zea mays maize, more simplified, Indian corn ; in common 

 parlance, plain corn. 



It was first cultivated in the United States by the Eng- 

 lish, on James river, Virginia, in 1608, the seed of which 

 was obtained from the Indians, who claimed to be the orig- 

 inators, or first discoverers of the plant receiving it direct 

 from the hands of the Creator. Schoolcraft gives their 

 mythological history of it: " A young man went out into 

 the woods to fast, at that period of life when youth is ex- 

 changed for manhood. He built a lodge of boughs in a 

 secluded place, and painted his face of a somber hue. By 

 day he amused himself in walking about, looking at the 

 various shrubs and wild plants, and at night lay down in 

 his bower, which being open, he could look up into the sky. 

 He sought a gift from the Master of life, and he hoped it 



