172 FIELD CROPS ,FOR THE COTTON-BELT 



the pith and the woody portion of the cob to the base of 

 the kernel. During the early or milk-stage of development 

 the kernel is sweet on account of the large amount of sugar 

 which has not, as yet, been transformed into starch. Dur- 

 ing this early stage large quantities of protein, ash, and 

 6il are deposited in the embryo. Later, large 'quantities 

 of sugar, much of which has been held in readiness in the 

 stalk, are transferred to, and deposited in the kernels in the 

 form of starch. This deposit of starchy material con- 

 stitutes the larger part of the endosperm. The bracts 

 about the base of the ovary become the chaff of the ma- 

 tured cob, while the coverings of the ovule develop into 

 the protecting coverings of the kernel (Fig. 28). 



