Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-02-11
THE EVENING STAR.
TFoR The STAR.
Indian Corn.


one of the tabled gifts of Ceres exceeds
in value that which America has given to
mankind in Der well known native product
maize, or IrdiancOrn. Whether We consider
the breadth Of zone in which it may be grown,
the variety and extent of its uses, the ease OF
i,s culture or the beauty and richness OF Its
appearance while growing in the field, or after
being gathered in the crib, no production OF
the vegetable kingdom surpasses it. 1t -four
ishes far south, in the regions famed by the
breezes Of the Mexican Gulf, and northWard
to the great lakes and the borders OF Canada
"A might be expected from the extent Oh us
habitat, IL has numerous and ever increasing
varieties differing very greatly IN respect 70
size, appe arance, and constituent principles
While the general characteristics of the plant
are the same everywhere, there are found
varieties az the extreme north that scarce at
tain the height of three feet, with ears no
larger han a mans thumb; while at the south
some are found that reach five times that alti-
tude. with ears of a corresponding size. There
is also much diversity of color in the grain,
white and yellow predominating, but red,
blue and various intermediate shades fire.
quenHy occurring, and depending upon the
color of the epidermis, OF Of the essential oil
contained in the kernel. a collection Of sam
pies of the different varieties raised in the
country would be an interesting spectacle,
and worthy place in the Crystal Palace
itself
The constituents Of the grain are principally
starch, oil, gluten, and several of the phos-
pilates, and these differ much in relative GUAM
tity in different varieties. Soil and climate
exert great influence on the character of the
Erlin-that grown at the North Astounding
mlre in oil, that grown at the South more in
starch; in this matter seeming to meet the
wants Of the animal economy which the higher
the latitude, the more it requires food Of an
oily or heat producing nature. A like differ.
eEce In some degree is noticeable between that
grown in The interior and on the seaboard.
and when seed is transferred from one region
to the other the change becomes perceptible
IN very few years.
The variety known as pop corn owes its pe-
culiar properties TO an excess of oil, which on
the application Of heat is converted into gas
ana explodes efecting a complete transforms
ton Of the kernel, and turning it inside out.
sweet corn is ysriety cultivated in some
parts OF the country and used for cooking in
us green state. 1t contains sugar and larger
amount OF the phOsphates than other varieties.
IL continues longer in the milk than other va
shriveled MUM
The number Of ears to the stalk, and eonse.
qaentiy the proportion of grain to the fodder.
varies much in different varieties, aIthouyh
Is much Influenced also by the quality of
tn-- mode Of cultivation In some eases a
p-Io o. "'ASAS as Elany rs eight or ten,
S IL!ss 90, - single stalk.
1t has been found srIitahIs t s contain
ing most starch are most 'uilaoIe LOT making
bread, IN consequences of ths I, ''aier adneaye-
reSs of the meal or flour, while uat contain
ing most oil is best for fattening stOo.S
IL is a matter of considerable importance TO
the cultivatOr to select the best and most pro
dgctIve varieties, and those best adapted to
the use to which it is to be put. II the corn
is designed for bread-making the soft or starch
producing varieties viii be most suitable; If for
feeding stock. the fluid or oil producing varis-
ties When fodder is Of little consideration
kind should be selected having the smallest
stalks with the greatest number Of ears.
&C.