CLIMATIC REQUIRE ME NTS 



35 



the stem ; there must then be some loss in weight of grain, 

 inasmuch as all the starch must first be elaborated in the leaf 

 before it can be deposited in the grain (IT 69). 



It is a fortunate feature of the South African hailstorm 

 that it is usually confined to a comparatively narrow strip, so 

 that not all of any one farm is damaged, and as a rule the 



CHAP. 



II. 



Fig. 6.— Effect of hail on the stem and leaves of the maize plant. 



same farm is rarely visited by hail two years in succession. 

 There are, however, " hail-belts," in which hailstorms appear 

 to recur almost yearly. 



Apparently there is no reliable preventive for hailstorms ; 

 but insurance policies against damage from hail may be 

 effected. 



