54 CORN 



corn plant. The portion which is to produce the stem and leaves lies 

 toward the crown of the kernel and is called the plumule. The portion 

 which is the first root lies toward the tip of the kernel, and is called 

 the radicle. 



At the time of germination the radicle becomes the root sprout. It 

 appears enveloped for a time in a sheath, the "coleorhiza." This root 

 sprout is usually temporary. The permanent roots spring from the 

 first node of the stem sometimes before it has pushed its way out from 

 under the hull of the kernel. 



The "stem sprout" is the awakened plumule. It is believed by 

 some good authorities that the scutellum corresponds to the single 

 seed leaf or cotyledon in such plants as the lily. The corn is therefore 

 said to be "monocotyledonous." A representation of the "dicotyle- 

 dons" is the bean which has two such seed leaves. The first leaves are 

 tightly rolled together, the younger ones being enclosed within the 

 older. Just as soon as the stem sprout reaches the light, it turns green 

 owing to the formation of chlorophyll. 



COLLATERAL READING. 



Flint Varieties of Corn, 



Farmers' Bulletin No. 225. 



Varieties of Corn, by Sturtevant, 

 U. S. Department No. 57. 



Pop Corn, 



Farmers' Bulletin No. 202. 



A Study of Corn, 



Maine No. 139. 



Sweet Corn, 



Maryland No. 96. 



Corn, Roots of, 



Kansas No. 127 



