268 
BROOM CORN. 
Note. The smut of the maize may often become a serious injury to a crop. It forms its black 
smutty vesicles upon all parts, except perhaps the leaves. The ears, however, suffer the most, 
inasmuch as this is the valuable part of the plant. Probably the period when the ear is forming 
is the most favorable for the propagation and growth of this fungus. There can be but little 
doubt but that the spores of the fungus are taken up by the roots, and conveyed in the sap to all 
parts of the plant. Hence it should be a point to remove the smutted parts the moment they are 
discovered, and to burn them. In a small field of maize, where last year (1847) there were only 
a few infected stalks, they were multiplied this year more than ten times, and I believe solely 
from the neglect to destroy the fungus. 
VII. BROOM CORN. 
Broom corn, being closely allied at least to the cereals, may be placed with propriety in 
this connection. Observations, as in the case of maize, have been made upon its growth 
during the entire season. I did not deem it necessary, however, to follow them up with 
numerous analyses, although it is extensively cultivated in this State. The proportions 
which have been determined, answer the double purpose of showing the progress of the 
increase of the plant, and the amount of mineral matter which it contains at different 
stages and periods of growth. We can determine, from the same data, the exhausting 
powers of the crop. 
PROPORTIONS. 
TIME. 
PARTS. 
QUANTITY. 
PER CENTUM. 
1848. 
June 27. 
Whole plant •• 
100 ‘00 grs. 
Dry 
- 
14-04 
14-09 
Ash ..... 
- 
1-44 
1-44 
Calculated dry 
- 
- 
10-25 
July 5. 
Height 16 inches. First joint just 
apppearing. 
Leaf-blades .... 
- 
52*24 grs. 
60-886 
Leaf-sheaths - 
- 
33-56 
39-114 
Weight of whole plant 
- 
85-80 
100-000 
1. Leaf-sheaths ... - 
- 
33-56 
gave of Water .... 
- 
30*52 
90-912 
Dry matter - 
- 
3*04 
9-088 
Ash [decided taste of potash] 
- 
0-48 
1-427 
Percentage of ash calculated dry 
- 
- 
15*702 
Percentage of organic matter - 
- 
- 
84*298 
