74 REPORT OF THE BACTERIOLOGIST OF THE 
We were unfortunate in this case in selecting cabbage seed 
which was infected with a resistant and rapid growing bacillus. 
When the examination of this seed was begun at the eighth 
month the abundant growth of this form covered the plates so 
completely that no P. campestris could be found. The method of 
examination was later changed so as to leave the seeds in the 
water only a few hours. With this modification we have obtained 
P. campestris at the end of 814 and 914 months respectively and 
the examination will be continued at later intervals. 
SEED DISINFECTION. 
From what has already been shown concerning the prevalence 
of black rot in the seed cabbage fields, the presence of the dis- 
ease germs on the seed and their ability to remain alive there, it is 
seen that the commercial seed is a factor in the spread of the dis- 
ease germs. A simple and effective method of destroying these 
germs is much to be desired. 
SOAKING A SATISFACTORY METHOD. 
Soaking seed potatoes, cats, wheat and barley in disinfecting 
solutions to free them from disease spores is common agricultural 
practice. When small quantities of seed are to be treated, as is 
the case with cabbage, soaking for a short time in a solution com- 
bines simplicity with thoroughness in a satisfactory manner. 
In this work, the destruction of the disease germs without 
injury to the germination of the seed is the point to be attained. 
Furtunately P. campestris does not form spores and is quickly 
killed by weak solutions of common disinfectants, a 0.5 per cent. 
solution of lysol’* destroying it in one minute. Since the time 
for sowing cabbage seed is about the same as that for planting 
potatoes we have tested the solutions of corrosive sublimate and 
formalin commonly used upon potatoes with regard to their 
effects upon the germination of cabbage seed. 
EFFECT OF CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE ON GERMINATION. 
It was first attempted to determine what strength of corrosive 
sublimate solution can be borne by cabbage seeds without injury 
to their germination. Three lots of seeds, one hundred seeds 
2 Wis, Agr, Exp. Sta.{Bul, 65:19, 7J1898, 
