INSTITUTE, PUSA, FOR 1917-18 133 



Amongst other recommendations the following were 

 emphasized : — 



Provision of disease-free seed. Revision of technique 

 of microscopic examination of moths. Proper 

 trained supervision of this examination. Ade- 

 quate provision of nurseries for production and 

 distribution of disease- free seed. Rejuvenation 

 of stock by hill rearing. 

 Improvements in rearing. Demonstration rearing 

 houses where improved methods can be shown to 

 local rearers. 



Such improved methods to include : — 



(1) Sanitary measures to avoid spread of 



infection such as* disinfection with 

 formaldehyde and dust prevention by 

 false ceilings and moist floors. 



(2) Proper dieting and spacing, and provision 



of ventilation especially by openings 

 in roofs of rearing houses. 



VI. Programme of work for 1918-19. 

 Major subjects. 



1. The decomposition of organic matter in the soil by 

 bacterial action. 



2. The reciprocal relationship between bacterial activity 

 in soil and the mineral constituents of the latter with 

 special reference to Dhosphates, and an enquiry into the 

 possibility of producing soluble or available phosphates in 

 India without the use of sulphuric acid. 



Special enquiries. 



3. Indigo. 



4. Pebrine. 



5. The sterilization of water for troops in the field. 



Minor subjects. 



6. Biological analysis of soils. 



7. Bacterial diseases of plants. 



