12. Study the roots of a corn plant. How far do they extend into the ground? Describe them.
13. Study the brace roots that come off the stalk an inch or more above the ground. Of what utility are these to the plant?
14. Bend down a stalk of growing corn and place a stone on it near its base so as to hold it down, and note how it acts. Does it commence to lift itself up straight from the joint, or from a place between the joints?
15. Cut off the water supply from a plant, or watch the corn during a drought and tell how the leaves behave.
16. Do they offer as much surface to the air for evaporation when they are curled? Is this the way the plant protects itself by retaining this moisture during a dry time?
17. Do the stalks or leaves grow after the ears begin to form?
18. Do you find "suckers" growing; if so what is the variety?
Flowers.
There are two kinds of flowers on the corn: the tassels bearing the pollen, and the ears bearing the ovules which develop into seeds. Study first the tassel. Observe the flowerets through a lens if you have one and note that the pollen sacs open a little at one side instead of at the tip so that the wind is needed in order to shake out the pollen. It is estimated that on each corn plant there may be developed eighteen million pollen grains and two thousand ovules. The pollen-tube must penetrate the whole length of each thread of corn-silk in order to reach the ovules.
19. What agency carries the pollen grains to the ear?