32 



CORN CROPS 



the function of which is to give strength and rigidity. A 

 cross-section of the stem will show, in addition to the pith, 



Fig. 13. — Development of the corn stem. 

 1. Plant about 10 inches high. 2. Section of 

 1, at base, showing that all nodes, leaves, and 

 tassel are more or less developed at this stage ; 

 growth is intcrnodal. 3. Full-grown stem 

 with leaves removed. 4. Cross-section of 

 stem. 



a large number of fibrous strands, 

 known technically as fibro-vascular bun- 

 dles. It is through these bundles that 

 the water taken in by the roots passes 

 up the stem and is distributed through- 

 out the plant ; and again, when the 

 leaves have elaborated plant-food from 

 the material taken up from the soil and 

 out of the air, this plant-food is carried 

 down these same fibro-vascular bundles and distributed 

 to those parts where it is needed, as the growing ear or 

 the roots. 



