22 



CORN CROPS 



Fig. 8. — Dent corn. 



14 inches, and has 6 to 12 rows. The maize most com- 

 monly cultivated by the early colonists and North 

 American Indians is extensively cultivated at present in 



regions where the large dents 

 do not mature. 



5. Zea Mays indentata, the 

 dent corns. 



Characterized by horny endo- 

 sperm at the sides, with starchy 

 endosperm extending to the 

 summit. By shrinkage of the 

 'starchy matter in drying, the 

 summit of the kernel is drawn 

 in and indented in various 

 forms. The plant varies in 

 height from 5 to 18 feet ; the ear varies in length from 

 6 to 12 inches and has 8 to 24 rows. The most com- 

 monly cultivated tj^pe in the United States. 



6. Zea Mays amylacea, the soft corns. 

 Characterized by entire absence of corneous endosperm. 



All soft. No indentations, the kernel being shaped like 

 that of flint corn. Ears 

 mostly 8 to 12-rowed, 8 to 

 10 inches in length. The 

 usual colors occur. Culti- 

 vated to some extent in 

 Southwestern States, Mexico, 

 and South America. 



7. Zea Mays saccharata, the 

 sweet corns. 



Characterized by the translucent, horny appearance and 

 more or less wrinkled condition of the kernel. Shrinking 

 probably due to the conversion of starch into glucose. 



Fig. 9. — Soft corn. 



