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. 
TIME. 
PARTS. 
QUANTITY. 
PER CENTUM. 
June 27. 
1. Plant weighing 
- 
374'2 grains. 
Dry. 
- 
26- 
Water - 
- 
348-2 
Ash - 
- 
1-87 
•518 
Ash calculated dry 
- 
7-19 
Dry matter - 
- 
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 
100-70 
14-184 
leaf-sheaths). 
61-05 
8-599 
Leaf-sheaths ----- 
181-10 
25-509 
Leaf blades ----- 
367-10 
51-708 
Weight of the whole plant 
709-95 
100-000 
