Stinking Smut Experiments. 167 



most successful, with only xV per cent, of smutty ears, while for- 

 malin treatment gjtve ^—j per cent. In a previous year, when the 

 experiments were conducted on a smaller scale, these three sub- 

 stances entirely prevented the appearance of smut, and I am 

 inclined to think, as already hinted, that some smut balls may 

 have escaped crushing, and thus the treated seed would be re- 

 infected when sown with the drill. In this event it is probable 

 that the bluestone treatment would largely preserve the grain from 

 infection as a considerable quantity of the material adheres to the 

 seed. 



In Guides- to Groivers, No. 44, dealing with Bunt or Stinkino- Smut 

 of Wheat and its Treatment, it was shown that when smutty wheat 

 was dipped in kerosene tins and the smut-balls carefully skimmed otf, 

 there was no infection. The bluestone treatment has been proved 

 effectual against stinking smut, but it has the serious drawback to the 

 farmer of being rather injurious to the seed-wheat. Formalin has an 

 advantage over bluestone in this respect, and it is well worthy of being 

 given a trial in the treatment of seed-wheat for stinking smut. 



In the United States of America, where the Agricultural Experi- 

 ment Stations have tested a number of different methods for the 

 treatment of this smut, it is now recommended to sprinkle the grain 

 thoroughly with formalin at the rate of 1 lb. to 50 gallons of water, 

 and leave it in piles over night before sowing. In our experiments 

 only half this strength was used, that is 1 lb, in 100 gallons, and no 

 doubt there would be an increased efficiency from employing the 

 stronger solution. Formalin may be procured fi-om Messrs. Felton, 

 Grimwade and Co. or Rocke, Tompsitt and Co., Melbourne, at the 

 rate of 2s. for 1 lb. bottles, or 18s. a gallon. 



