In classifying the different varieties of Indian corn, Zea Mays, scientists have paid little attention to comparative floral morphology. Since the kernel is economically the most important part of the maize plant nearly all classifications have been based on its texture and morphology. The most recent classification is that of Sturtevant (1899), which is based on the characteristics of kernel texture and the development of husks around individual kernels. We may summarize Sturtevant's classification as follows: Zea tunicata, the pod corns: "each kernel is inclosed in a pod or husks." Zea everta, the pop corns: "characterized by the excessive proportion of the corneous endosperm and the small size of the kernels and ear." Zea indurata, the flint corns: "readily recognized by the occurrence of a starchy endosperm inclosed in a corneous endosperm." Zea indentata, the dent corns: "recognized by the presence of corneous endosperm at the sides of the kernel, the starchy endosperm extending to the summit." Zea amylacea, the soft corns (the flour corns): "recognized by the absence of corneous endosperm." Zea saccharata, the sweet corns: "a well-defined species group characterized by the translucent, horny appearance of the kernels and their more or less crinkled, wrinkled, or shriveled condition." As Anderson and Cutler (1942) have pointed out, this classification is an artificial one and is of aid only in cataloguing different varieties. It does not indicate relationships between different groups or varieties. Details of floral morphology are among the most important characters in the taxonomy of grasses. Although all the maize varieties, as far as we know, belong to one botanical species, investigations made thus far have shown that comparative morphological studies of reproductive organs can be of great importance. During their long existence many of the varieties of maize have become fairly constant. In some cases the morphological differences between different strains of maize are like those between closely related species of wild grasses. Not only does the study of the spikelets of the tassel give us a new character for understanding the natural classification of the present-day varieties of maize, but it may also give important clues to the origin of these varieties. During the