LUTHER BURBANK 



Every farmer knows that corn must be planted 

 in large quantities close together — that a single 

 kernel of corn, planted in one corner of a lot, 

 apart from other growing corn, would be non- 

 productive. 



Yet how many of those who depend upon corn 

 for their living fully realize the reason for this? 



The geranium, with its nectar, its scent, its 

 color and its structural arrangement, has built 

 up a partnership with the bee to perform its 

 poUenation. 



While corn, with no advertisement, no honey, 

 no brilliant reds, no scent, has developed an 

 equally effective plan of making the breezes act 

 as its messenger of reproduction. 

 ***** 



Here is a plant, tall and supple, that responds 

 with graceful movements to the slightest breath of 

 air. At its top it holds a bunch of pollen laden 

 tassels — swaying tassels which, with each back- 

 ward and forward movement, discharge their tiny 

 pollen grains in clouds, which slowly settle to the 

 ground. 



Below, on the stalk of the plant, are the ears of 

 corn, containing row after row of the egg kernels, 

 needing but combination with pollen from above 

 to become, each, a seed capable of starting another 

 corn plant on its life. 



[90] 



