Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 September 1894 — CORN COB ARM. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

CORN COB ARM.

Peculiar Natural Freak Ownrd by a Gen. tleman In Kentucky. ri The likeness of a human arm and hand presented In every detail upon a common corn cob Is the freak of nature owned by C. B. Cundiff, of Somerset, Ky. Two years ago it was found growing upon its parent stalk in a field near that city, owned by William Anderson. When the ear was pulled it was thought to be one of those frequent bunches found in every Held. It was husked and thrown into the crib until the following autumn. When it came to shelling time the curiosity was developed in all of its fullness.

Among the superstitious it created a feeling of alarm, just as did the alleged “handwriting of the Lord” some weeks since. The “Corncob Arm,” as this phenomenon of nature is known, is, however, a genuine article. After being shown about the county it was finally presented to the present owner, Mr. Cundiff. He has had it measured and photograDhed for future reference, and prizes it most highly. The cob weighs 4J- ounces and is 8 5-16 inches in leogtta. From, the butt to the palm of the hand is 5£ inches. Its thickness at the butt is 5 1-16 inches and at the wrist 4 inches. The thumbis 1£ inches in length, the first finger 14, the second If, the third 14 and the fourth If. It will be seen by looking at the accompanying cut that the arm, so called, is symmetrical, resembling the gloved forearm of a woman extended as if in the act of reaching for something. A curious thing presented by the fingers is the mark, or crease, upon the inner surface usually made by the joint in the human. It is known that the Indians set a great store by some of the gnarled and twisted ears that were discovered in their harvest. The peculiar formation of the ear is due to the production of double celled blossoms, such as occur in almost every form of plant life. Pumpkins and squashes have been known to take on the likeness of the human face, and the root of the mandrake assumes the form of a man with startling fidelity. This is the first time on record that the useful and nourishing corn plantcvor tried anything in that direction.

CORN COB ARM.