244 
ANALYSES OF MAIZE. 
3. Analysis of the cob of White-flint. 
Silica - 
- 
- 
- 
13-600 
Earthy phosphates 
- 
- 
- 
23-924 
Lime ... 
- 
- 
- 
0-300 
Magnesia 
- 
- 
- 
0-900 
Potash - 
- 
- 
- 
35-802 
Soda - 
- 
- 
- 
5-914 
Chlorine 
- 
- 
- 
0-132 
Sulphuric acid 
- 
- 
- 
0-345 
Organic matter 
- 
- 
- 
2-314 
Carbonic acid 
‘ 
" 
6-134 
89-365 
In each of the foregoing results, the quantity of silica is greater than in the 8-rowed 
yellow corn growing beside it, and treated in the same way. The ash, in its physical 
properties, appeared more siliceous than it usually is, and hence I have no doubt the 
analyses are correct : it goes to show that the same plant may take up and assimilate a 
greater amount of inorganic matter under some circumstances, than in others. This corn, 
besides being supplied with manure of the horse, mixed with coal ashes in the hill, was 
ashed with unleached ashes. The consequence was that the crop gave a remarkably 
sound hard grain; it would seem that this treatment had some share in producing the 
excess of silica obtained in the foregoing analyses. 
INTERMIXTURE OF VARIETIES OF MAIZE. 
Farmers are familiar with the fact that two or more varieties of maize grow upon the 
same ear. The fact is an interesting one, though it has not elicited much attention. Dr. 
Jackson, however, in his New-Hampshire Report, notices it, and states what is undoubtedly 
true, that each kernel of the varieties retains its own powers of appropriating its nutriment. 
Now we may carry back our inquiries a step farther : Whence is derived this power—this 
special power? This question, it is true, must be answered by reference to its own indi¬ 
vidual and original condition ; but the source of this power is undoubtedly due to the 
male blossom, or its effective part, the pollen grain. A pollen grain of the Tuscarora 
variety, falling upon the silk, is transmitted to its insertion, and enters the embryo cell. 
It is in fact a living cell detached from the Tuscarora kind : it has its beginning within the 
individual from which it is detached, and implants itself into the nidus formed for it in the 
Sweet, or some other variety of its own specific kind. Although grown upon an ear of the 
Sweet corn, it produces, when planted, the Tuscarora variety. This may not be entirely 
true to the letter, as the grain may have been mixed the first year; but ultimately the 
