144 
MANUAL OF NATURE STUDY. 
studied, all the conditions favorable for the perfect 
union of male element with female element, or fer¬ 
tilization. 
In Indian corn what is the style called ? Where 
are the stamens and what are they called? Why 
do not full ears of corn grow upon isolated stalks ? 
Examine a few ears from solitary stalks and see if 
the required number of grains is developed. From 
your observation what conclusion can be formed as 
to the provision of the corn plant for self-fertiliza¬ 
tion ? How are the styles, “or silks,” of the corn 
protected from the reception of its own pollen? 
Examine a stalk of corn so as to be sure that one 
or more of the blades pass between the tassel and 
the silk, thus acting as a roof to ward off the pollen. 
These blades may also serve to keep off too much 
water from the stigma, or too much hot sunshine, 
either of which would destroy the function of the 
stigma, but it keeps off the pollen as well. How 
are the chances of fertilization improved by com¬ 
munity plant life? How is the ragweed benefited 
by community life ? Let the pupils examine the 
ragweed and locate the seed pod and also the pollen. 
Be sure to observe that the pollen is dry and light, 
and therefore easily carried by the winds. 
What other plants bear pollen that is light and 
dry and easily carried by the wind ? We may call 
such plants wind-fertilized plants . 
