FKOM GRAIN TO EAR. 81 



host sends by him a letter to a friend written in ink made 

 from the cocoanut stem, and upon parchment developed from 

 the leaves. A single cocoanut tree is doubtless far more to 

 the Indian, who claims it as his own with almost a feeling of 

 religious awe, than a field of corn is to its more enlightened 

 owner. Nevertheless, the list of uses which the latter serves 

 is much longer and far more important. Directly or indirectly, 

 corn in some form administers to the daily needs of civilized 

 man. The starch of the grain may shine upon our shirt- 

 bosoms, or appease the pangs of hunger, and as fuel the 

 grain warms the home of the pioneer on the treeless prairie. 

 " The wealthy resident of the metropolis, whose fiistidious 

 palate has not perhaps been educated up to the latest im- 

 provement in corn bread, dilates with complacency over his 

 favorite sparerib or tenderloin without reflecting that the 

 perfection of its flavor is derived from Indian corn." When 

 made into syrup and sugar it sweetens life, and distilled as 

 whiskey it drives dull care away. It is a national disgrace 

 that so much of this golden grain is changed into an iutoxi- 

 eating liquid. When whiskey becomes the leading product 

 of counties and even whole States, it is certain that a great 

 blessing is transformed into a monster th;it curses the land. 

 Aside from the long list of uses of the grain there are those 

 of the stalks in their various forms, either as fodder or for 

 green manuring. 



The last but not least of the benefits of Indian corn to be 

 here mentioned is its good influince upon the land. It does 

 not gr(;w to itself alone, and much of the labor that is put 

 upon a cornfield should be reckoned against the succeeding 

 crops that are much benefited by the attention given to the 

 growth of the maize. 



In whatever light we view the subject that h:is been chosen, 

 whether in its rapid, tropical growth, or graceful foliage and 

 noble stature, it is easy to recognize a most useful plant 

 that bears the stamp of nobility in every fibre of its structure. 

 In its history we see the rich unfolding of a remarkable 

 capacity that should inspire every farmer with a strong hope 

 of even better things to come. Its sensitive nature resi)onds 

 to every touch of thoughtful culture, and most richly i e- 

 wards those who best administer to its necessities. From the 



