14 INDIAN CORN CULTURE. 



which develop the root tips, which proceed to 

 make a downward growth into the soil. After 

 penetrating slightly below the surface a mass 

 of fibrous roots is produced from this buried 

 portion. These roots assist in m'aintaining the 

 erect position of the plant, as well as in secur- 

 ing nourishment and moisture.- Generally the 

 depth of the planting does not influence the 

 depth of the rooth growth. 

 ^ The stem (or culm) of Indian corn, varies in 

 height from 18 inches to 18 feet, according to 

 the variety and conditions of growth. Sturte- 

 vant even notes one variety in South America 

 attaining a height of 24 feet. The stem consists 

 of a number of smooth sections (internodes),. 

 joined together by short joints (nodes). The 

 mature stem has a pithy interior with a thin 

 covering of harder material. 



In a study made by the writer on the rate 

 of growth of the corn plant, at the New York 

 experiment station it was noted that the in- 

 crease ranged from three to 18^ inches per week 

 in gain. The most rapid development occurred 

 when the plants were about five weeks old. 

 Under specially favorable conditions a growth 

 of five inches has been recorded in one day. 

 ^ The leaves grow from the joints, there being 

 a leaf at each one. For a greater part of the 

 stem, the lower part of the leaf (sheath) is 

 wrapped about the stem from one joint almost 



