6 THE BOOK OF CORN 



of each leaf with the stalk. Selection and development 

 has resulted in only one or two large and well-formed 

 ears on each stalk. These ears bear developed kernels 

 in from six to twenty-four rows. 



The leaf is succulent and is divided into sheath 

 and blade. The sheath surrounds the stalk, then the 

 blade extends upward for some distance, and droops at 

 the tip. The stalks have a hard shell or covering. The 

 plant is semi-tropical, with very dark, green, luxuriant 

 foliage. Wild corn must have seeds that can be readily 

 disseminated, consequently the grains of the original 

 corn were much smaller than those of the com of 

 to-day. Cultivated maize would soon disappear if the 

 seeds were not preserved and planted each year. The 

 grains of wild corn were large and wholesome enough 

 to attract birds and wild beasts, which aided in the dis- 

 semination of the plant. In its original southern home 

 some authorities believe Indian com propagated itself 

 by suckers grown from near the base. 



The roots are of two classes. Those growing 

 underground are fibrous and transmit plant food and 

 water to the growing plant. The secondary roots arise 

 from joints just above the ground and simply act as 

 braces for the plant. These grow downward for some 

 distance into the ground. The stem is divided into sec- 

 tions technically called internodes. These are fur- 

 rowed on one side, the furrows alternating with 

 each joint. 



OUTLINE OF SPECIES GROUPS 



While the genus Zea has but one species, there 

 a'-e almost innumerable forms and variations. The 

 most extended study of these has been made by Dr 

 E. L. Sturtevant, who has examined more than seven 

 hundred and seventy varieties and synonyms, with a 

 view of placing the nomenclature upon a sound scien- 



