152 PLAIN AND PLEASANT TALK 



tissues ; so of the bark, the blossom, etc. If, then, the seed- 

 vessels are removed, so much less elaborated sap is con- 

 sumed as they would have required ; and this, or at least, 

 portions of it, are given to the other parts of the vegetable 

 economy. 



BLADING AND TOPPING CORN. 



No one performs these operations for the benefit of the 

 ear, but to obtain fodder, and it is then justified on the 

 ground that the corn is not harmed by it. The sap drawn 

 from the root does not flow straight up into the ear and 

 kernel, but into the leaves or blades. The carbonic acid of 

 the crude sap is decomposed, oxygen is given off and carbon 

 remains in the form of starch, sugar, gum, etc., etc., accord- 

 ing to the nature of the plant. When sap has by exposure 

 to light undergone this change it is said to be elaborated. 



It is only now that the sap, passing from the upper side 

 of the leaf to a set of vessels in the under side, is reconveyed 

 to the stem, begins to descend, and is distributed to various 

 parts of the plant, affording nourishment to all. But when 

 the fruit of every plant is maturing, it draws to itself a large 

 part of the prepared sap, which, when it has entered the 

 kernel, is still farther elaborated, and made to produce the 

 peculiar qualities of the fruit, whether corn or wheat, apple 

 or pear. It is plain from this explanation that a plant 

 stripped of its leaves is like a chemist robbed of his labora- 

 tory, or like a man without lungs. 



If corn is needed for fodder, let it be cut close to the 

 ground when the corn has glazed. The grain will go on 

 ripening and be as heavy and as good as if left to stand, and 

 the stalk will afford excellent food for cattle. Sheep are 

 fond of corn thus cured, and will winter very well upon it. 

 In husking out the corn, the husk should be left on the stalk 

 for fodder. 



