EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. • 425 



THE FOKMALIN TREATMENT OF WHEAT FOR EITHER LOOSE 



OR STINKING SMUT. 



. Press Bulletin No. 19. 



Formalin is a 40% solution of formaldehyde. It often falls below 

 this standard on the market, and therefore the purchaser should insist 

 on a guarantee of the strength named. 



Preparation of Material. Mix formalin with water in the proportion 

 of one pound or pint of the former to fifty gallons of the latter, stir- 

 ring well. This solution may be made in a tub, barrel, trough or tank, 

 depending on the amount to be used and the manner of using. The 

 grain may be treated in either of two ways, as follows : 



SPRINKLING METHOD. 



(1.) Spread a two-inch layer of wheat upon a well swept floor, 

 thoroughly saturated with the solution, then apply the formaldehyde 

 mixture to the gi'ain with a garden sprinkler until thoroughly wet. To 

 this a second layer may be added and similiarly treated, and so on, 



(2.) Turn the moistened mass of grain with shovel or scoop till the 

 surface of every kernel glistens Avith moisture, adding more solution 

 if necessary ; then shovel into a compact pile and allow to stand two 

 hours. At the end of two hours spread the grain into as thin a layer 

 as the floor space Avill permit, and shovel occasionally till dry, when it 

 may be bagged. 



Caution. — Thoroughly saturate the floor on which the treating is to 

 be done, with the solution, also all tools used, the bags receiving the 

 treated grain, unless new, and the grain drill as well. 



DIPPING METHOD. 



(1.) Put the grain to be treated in bags about 1 or II/2 bushels 

 to each. Gunny sacks are much preferred, allowing the solution to 

 pass into the gTain and also draining more quickly than cotton bags. 



(2.) In this case the solution is prepared in a tub, barrel, trough 

 or tank, according to convenience or necessity. Immerse each bag of 

 grain completely for ten minutes, working thoroughly with the hands 

 or otherwise, till all the grain is wet. 



(3.) After ten minutes remove the bag and suspend it over the dip- 

 ping vat, or place it on draining boards Avhich will return the excess 

 solution for further use. 



(4.) After dripping ceases, empty the grain on a clean floor, pre- 

 viously treated. Spread and stir frequently till dry. 



(5.) If the grain is to be sown at once it need be dried only suffi- 

 ciently to allow it to work well through the drill. If seeding is de- 

 layed for several days after treatment, by rain or other causes, the grain 

 should be dried well, as remaining in the sacks or pile may injure it. 

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