50 



CORN CROPS 



about 1000 seeds, usually all on one ear ; in some varieties, 

 however, two or more ears are produced. 



42. Pollen. — The pollen, or fertihzing element, is pro- 

 duced in the tassels and usually begins falling one to two 

 days before silking ; there is great irregularity in this 



Fig. 19. — The process of fertilization of the corn fiower. Each embryonic 

 grain produces a long style or " silk." Each silk must receive one or 

 more pollen grains. 



