192 
ANALYSES OF MAIZE. 
time. observations, parts and proportions. 
October 18. 10. Silks .. 
Water ------- 
Dry matter ...... 
Ash - . 
Percentage of ash calculated on the dry matter, 
Ash saline, with a slight taste of caustic potash. 
11. Nodes or joints of stalk .... 
Water ------- 
Dry matter ------ 
Ash ------- 
Percentage of ash calculated on dry matter 
Ash saline, with a slight taste of caustic potash. 
12. Roots -------- 
Water ------- 
Dry matter ...... 
Ash. 
Percentage of ash calculated on the dry matter, 
QUANTITIES. 
81* grs. 
66-4 
14*6 
•99 
257 -6 
216-35 
41-25 
2-8 
556- 
427-6 
128-4 
5-3 
percentage. 
81-975 
18-025 
1-222 
6-781 
83-987 
16-013 
1-087 
6-787 
76-906 
23-094 
•953 
4-128 
COMPOSITION OF MAIZE OR INDIAN CORN. 
The variety of corn, the analysis of which follows, is the small 8-rowed yellow corn, 
intermediate in size between the Canada corn and the 8-rowed white-flint. It was planted 
early in May, and was nearly ripe the lltli of August. It was strongly glazed at this time, 
and filled all the spaces upon the cob; but the chit shrank some on drying. I am par¬ 
ticular to mention the variety examined, inasmuch as varieties differ in composition, both 
in the proximate elements and in the composition of the ash. Starch, in some varieties, is 
a very prominent element, and the phosphates in some occur in greater quantities than in 
others, while some varieties contain more oil than others. So during the periods of growth, 
the elements continually vary, and yet indian corn has a composition peculiarly its own. 
I am not sure that I have obtained more than a proximate determination of the compo¬ 
sition of this cereal; still, I have obtained many facts of some importance, which I shall 
proceed to lay before the reader. One of the great difficulties met with in the outset of 
the examination, or analysis of corn, is the want of a good ash. It is one of the most diffi¬ 
cult of substances to burn. It is quite fusible when combustion has gone so far as to form 
an ash of a part of the material; and when this fusion occurs, it is better to begin anew, 
than to proceed farther with the matter. The ash, however, may be obtained in a per¬ 
fectly white color, and free from coal, by proceeding in a certain manner. It should be 
burned at a low temperature, in a wide-mouthed crucible or capsule, and sufficient time 
be given it to consume. After the first part of the combustion, or the oil has been burnt 
off, it may be kept at a low red heat; but if it becomes quite red from a slight inattention, 
