GENERAL INFORMATION 29 



solution, and is far too strong-, the germination of 

 the grain being sometimes impaired to a serious 

 extent. 



A better method of prevention is to resort to the 

 hot water treatment, or to use more dilute solutions 

 of copper sulphate. Kiihn recommends the follow- 

 ing : soak the seed in ^ per cent solution of copper 

 sulphate^ for 12 to 16 hours, remove and dry 24 

 hours prior to drilling and 4 hours prior to sowing 

 broadcast. It is an advantage if the grain subse- 

 quent to the removal from the copper sulphate solu- 

 tion be put for 3 to 4 minutes in thin milk of lime.^ 



5. {^^ Jensens Hot Water Treatment. — This has 

 been successfully adopted in place of the copper 

 sulphate solutions for the prevention of certain 

 smuts and bunt. 



Three vessels are necessary : — 



(i) containing water at 212° F. 



(2) containing water at 120° F, 



(3) containing water at 133° F. 



The grain should be put into wire baskets for 

 treatment, or open, coarse sacks, which will do 

 equally well, First immerse for i minute in No. 

 (2) in order to warm it a little prior to putting into 

 No. (3) ; now draw out and immerse in No. (3) for 

 10 minutes, ac/itatinof the mass the whole time. 

 After the lapse of 10 minutes lift out, dip into cold 

 water to cool it, and spread on a tloor to dry. 



^ The grain may be put in open canvas bags for immersion. 



