THE FARM 317 



SUMMARY 



Corn can be raised only in those regions where the growing season is 

 four months or more free from frost. Its vigorous growth is most 

 noticeable during the long summer days of hot sunshine, and when it is 

 warm throughout the nights. 



The demands of corn upon the soil for moisture are very heavy, 

 especially at the time when the ears are forming. So wide and deep 

 does it root that where the soil was thoroughly prepared in the spring, 

 and when the surface is kept loose and free of weeds, a corn crop will 

 stand a long period of dry weather without serious harm. 



The long streamers of leaves are admirably adapted for exposure to 

 sunlight, and for absorption of large amounts of carbon dioxide from 

 the air, and for ridding the plant by transpiration of the large quantities 

 of water required in its growth. The so-called veins running parallel 

 and lengthwise of the leaves are a continuation of woody fibres found 

 in the stalk. 



The corn plant bears two kinds of flowers. The ovules after being 

 fertilized become kernels of corn, and they are arranged along a short- 

 ened stalk or cob. The pollen is so abundant that under all ordinary 

 conditions every ovule is fertilized, and there are no kernels lacking on 

 an ear. The value of the corn crop exceeds that of any other product 

 of the United States. 



So important is the selection of seed corn, its proper care till planted, 

 and the testing of it for its power to germinate, that special instruction 

 is given in all these details in agricultural colleges. By careful atten- 

 tion to improving the kind of corn best suited to any region, larger 

 returns per acre may be had with the same outlay. This is a matter 

 of profit to the owner of the crop, and an increase in the wealth of the 

 nation. 



Starch for cooking purposes, and for laundry uses, is made in enor- 

 mous quantities from corn. So are glucose as a syrup for table use, 

 for cooking, and for confectionery, and grape sugar with all its varied 

 uses. 



One variety of corn when well popped gives delicious and wholesome 

 eating. Sweet corn in season has much use as a vegetable fresh from 

 the garden, and as green (unripened) corn it is canned in enormous 

 quantities. 



Exercises 



1. What is the meaning of the term "corn" in the Bible? 



2. What is the first that is known of maize, or Indian corn? Give the 



