2? CONSUMPTION OF MAIZE. 

with the exception of cotton. It has been shown that it is a 
valuable food for man, and that it is the chief food of the 
domestic animals of our great country. In addition to this, 
large quantities of starch are made from it, and also glucose 
and grape sugar. It not only serves as our food, but also 
furnishes a part of our drink, in the form of the various 
grades of Indian-corn whisky. In addition to this, it is the 
source of an immense industry in the manufacture of 
alcohols, high wines, and Cologne spirits. The stalks, 
which a few years ago were considered an injurious residue, 
have been found to possess most valuable properties as 
cattle food. Especially is this true of the outer shells. The 
inner portion of the stalk—the pith-—possesses remarkable 
properties as an obturator in the manufacture of battle-ships. 
It possesses a high degree of resilience and porosity, and 
when perforated by a shot or shell it instantly closes the 
aperture made by the projectile, and thus prevents the 
entrance of water into the vessel. It also has peculiar 
properties rendering it suitable for the manufacture of 
pyroxylin varnishes, gun-cotton, and high explosives. By | 
reason of the nature of its construction it is easily nitrated.” 
In Argentina the cultivation of maize is extending, though 
at a slower rate of progress than in the case of wheat. 
According to the Argentine Census of 1895, this crop 
occupied 3,073,000 acres, or 1,093,000 acres more than in 1888, 
when the total area under maize was estimated at 1,980,000 
acres. In 1899 over 1,122,000 tons of maize were shipped 
from Argentine ports to various countries, of which the 
principal were the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Brazil, 
and Germany. 
Among European countries the production of maize has 
found its greatest development in Hungary, Roumania, and 
Italy. In Hungary the crop occupies roughly 6,000,000 
acres, and approximately 5,000,000 acres are devoted to its 
cultivation in both Roumania and Italy. Dussia has some- 
thing over 2,000,000 acres under maize, and France and 
Austria cultivate I,400,000 acres and 800,000 acres respectively. 
‘Lhe maize produced in Austria-Hungary is consumed 
within the Empire,into which there is also a small net annual 
