The moisture and earthy matter, drawn through the roots, become sap.This passes through the stalk, and enters the leaves.There a great change takes place which results in the starting of the ears and the growth of the grain.The maize plant bears two kinds of flowers,―male and female.The two are widely separated.The male flowers are on the tassel; the fine silk threads which surround the ear, and peep out from the end of the husks, are the female flowers.Each grain on the cob is the starting point for a thread of silk;and, unless the thread receives some particle of the dust which falls from the tassel flowers, the kernel with which it is connected will not grow.The many uses of Indian corn and its products are worthy of note.The green stalks and leaves make excellent fodder for cattle.The ripe grain is used all over the earth as food for horses, pigs, and poultry.Nothing is better for fattening stock.Green corn, or "roasting ears," hulled corn and hominy, New England hasty pudding, and succotash are favorite dishes with many persons.Then there are parched corn and pop corn―the delight of long winter evenings.
