SPECIAL EXERCISES ON TYPICAL FLOWERS 219 



to project. Carefully strip back the husks and expose the 

 kernels without breaking off the silk. Trace one thread 

 of silk from end to end. From what does it come? Where 

 is it attached to the kernel ? 



Examine the exposed end of a corn silk, using a magnifying 

 glass. Describe its surface. 



Query. How is a corn plant provided against self- 

 pollination? What advantage is there in having the stam- 

 inate flowers at the top? Why do corn flowers lack color, 

 odor, and nectar? Why are the tassel flowers open? Ac- 

 count for the amount of pollen. Do ears and tassels of the 

 same plant mature at the same time ? 



Note. Oaks, chestnuts, birches, alders, and sedges have the 

 sterile and fertile flowers on different parts of the same plant. 



