138 [Assembly 



and all that is then required is for the grain to harden by expo- 

 sure of the wind and sun, to ensure safety in storing and trans- 

 portation. With this view, the theory that the descending sap is 

 taken up by the footstalk of the ear increasing the bulk of the 

 grain, is irreconcilable. 



The estimate generally placed upon this portion of the crop, is 

 far below its real value, if we judge from the indifferent care too 

 frequently taken of it ; cut when nothing but the fibre is left, 

 stacked out without protection, blackened by the weather and 

 dried almost to crumbling, it furnishes but a meagre winter fod- 

 der, but when properly preserved, horses as well as horned cat- 

 tle thrive remarkably well on it, and the careful farmer reaps 

 the advantage of both field and meadow in the tillage of this pro- 

 ductive plant. 



In the southern states the value of its foliage is more justly 

 appreciated, and we learn tliat the knights of the turf, when 

 leaving home with their steed, bale up their corn blades and 

 carry them v.'ith them, preferring it to hay when preparing for 

 the contest, for both speed and endurance. 



In addition to the varieties grown last year, I this season in- 

 cluded with others a variety said to be freely grown on the bor- 

 ders of the Black Sea, and imported largely into England from 

 the port of Galatz. It meets with great favor in the European 

 markets, and the prices current inform us, commands the ex- 

 treme rates. The grain is quite small, roundish, very hard, and 

 well adapted for shipment, but can see no reason why in point of 

 intrinsic value it should be inferior to the finer sorts grown with 

 us. With me it attained only the height of four and a half to 

 five feet, produced near tlie ground two and three ears, with 

 twelve to sixteen rows from five to seven inches in length, and 

 ripened in twelve weeks. In this, as well as other sections where 

 farmers are accustomed to a more imposing growth, we do not 

 expect it to meet with much fiivor ; but in northern localities it 

 may be desirable on account of the ?hort period required for 

 ripening. 



A more valuable variety, however, for general cultivation, is 

 he " Golden Spike," a variety I have originated by hybridation, 



