FOOD FOR PLANTS 55 



proportion of grain to stalk ; because, however, of the 

 increasing use of corn as a forage plant, much atten- 

 tion has recently been given to the varieties adapted 

 for soiling and for silage. 



In growing corn for these different purposes 

 different methods are adopted. When the main 

 object is to secure grain, varieties are selected which 



One Hundred Bushels of Ears of Corn per Acre, Before 

 Harvesting. 



produce large, uniform ears, with deep grains. In 

 order to insure its proper development and ripening, 

 it is planted preferably in hills, at such distances as 

 will permit a maximum amount of sunshine to reach 

 all parts of the plant, and so cultivated as to en- 

 courage the largest use of food from soil sources. 

 In other words, every precaution is taken to insure 

 the largest proportion of ripened grain; the stalks 

 often being regarded as a by-product of little value. 

 In fact, in many parts of the country the stalks are 



