DESOBIPTION OF THE CORN PLANT 37 



26. The ear. — The probable origin of corn from some 

 grass-like plant similar to teosinte is discussed under 

 Biological Origin (p. 15). 



The ear may be regarded as a branch of the main stem, 

 the ear stem having exactly as many nodes as the main 

 stem above the ear, the husks corresponding to the leaf 

 sheaths and the ear to the tassel; the side branches, 

 however, are no longer present, while the central spike 

 has been enlarged into a cob, and the pistillate flowers, or 

 grains on the ear, correspond to the pollen flowers.^ 



The ear is the storehouse of the maize plant, where is 

 produced not only the young germ, but also a store of 

 starch, protein, oil, and other products for its future 

 nourishment, much as a swarm of bees makes a store of 

 honey for the young, laying eggs in the cells at the same 

 time. As mentioned heretofore, these products are first 

 prepared by the leaves and later transmitted to the ear. 



References on distribution of maize roots : — 

 Pammel, L. H. Grasses of Iowa. Iowa Agr. Exp. Sta., Bui. 



S4 : 8-13. 

 King, F. H. Wis. Agr. Exp. Sta., Rpt. 189S : 112 ; and 1893: 



160. 

 Hays, W. M. (1889.) Minn. Agr. Exp. Sta., Bui. 5. 

 Ten Eyck, A. M. (1899-90.) N. Dak. Agr. Exp. Sta., Bui. 



36: 43. 

 Shbppebd, J. H. (1905.) N. Dak. Agr. Exp. Sta., Bui. 64. 

 Ten Eyck, A. M. (1904.) Kan. Agr. Exp. Sta., Bui. 127. 

 Colo. Agr. Exp. Sta., Rpt. 1896: 181. 

 N. Y. Agr. Exp. Sta., Rpt. 1888: 171. 



References on tillering of maize : — 

 Neb. Agr. Exp. Sta., Bui. 91 : 16. 

 Pop. Sci. Mo., Jan. 1906 : 55. 



1 What is an Ear of Corn ? Pop. Sci. Mo., Jan. 1906. 



