160 



ANALYSES OF MAIZE. 



For family use, and for domestic animals, corn is almost indispensable; and every farm 

 which does not show its golden ear, seems to be deficient in one important respect. 



Indian corn is not difficult to grow, though it is well known that its perfection depends 

 greatly upon the season; and yet if July and August are favorable, it is sufficient to se- 

 cure a good crop. Early planting, too, is not less important, especially for the later and 

 larger varieties. 



Very little has been done by chemists, which is calculated to throw light upon the com- 

 position of corn. All the analyses which have hitherto been published are incorrect, as 

 well as imperfect. 



I have been induced, from the foregoing considerations, to enter upon a minute and 

 careful investigation of this grain. Observations have been made upon the plant, com- 

 mencing with its earliest, and ending with its ripest stage. It requires a succession of 

 seasons, however, in order to acquire a series of facts which can be regarded as full and 

 complete. Two sets of observations have been carried on during the past season. My 

 own, however, are less perfect than those by Mr. Salisbury. Unavoidable interruptions 

 have occurred, which have occasionally interfered with the punctuality which is desirable 

 upon inquiries of this kind. The completeness of Mr. Salisbury's observations supply 

 my own defective opportunities in many respects. 



The varieties to which my attention has been directed, are the small 8-rowed yellow 

 corn, and the 8-rowed white flint : both are early and very superior kinds. The propor- 

 tions have been determined, in one instance, of the large variety of white, mixed with 

 the Tuscarora corn, which are later kinds, and which in this climate are more liable to be 

 destroyed by early frosts. 



June 27. 1. Plant weighing 



Dry - 

 Water 

 Ash - 



Ash calculated dry 

 Dry matter - « 



QUANTITY. 



PER CENTUM. 



374-2 grains. 





26- 





348-2 





1-87 



•518 





7-19 





6-95 



July 5. Height from 33 - 36 inches : stout growth. 



Proportions of the different parts of one plant. 

 Stalk (4 inches long; 7 joints appear) 



Tassel (8 inches long, enveloped in the 



leaf-sheaths) - 

 Leaf-sheaths ..... 

 Leaf blades ..... 



100-70 



61-05 

 181-10 

 367-10 



14-184 



8-599 

 25-509 

 51-708 



Weight of the whole plant 



709-95 



100-000 



