64 
difference in size and development could be detected between the plants 
of the two plats. Of the plants from the untreated seeds two per cent. 
were attacked by the smut while none of those of the untreated seeds 
showed any signs of the fungus. These results with corn show the possi- 
bilities in this direction. Of course infection during the growth of the plant 
would not be prevented by this treatment. The treatment is not difficult, 
and the actual expense for the cost of material is not over six cents 
per acre. : 
Comments on the value of formalin as a fungicide are not necessary in 
view of the facts as presented. 
Extensive arrangements are being made for experiments the coming 
spring on ground that has in years past produced crops showing a loss of 
from forty to sixty per cent. from smut. . 
THE RESISTANCE OF CEREAL SMutTS TO FoRMALIN AND Hor WATER. 
By WILLIAM STUART. 
In connection with,some studies on the comparative merits of formalin 
and hot water in the prevention of smut in wheat and oats, the subject 
of the resistance of the smut spores when treated separately was con- 
sidered of sufficient importance to warrant investigation. The smuts of 
wheat and oats were selected from the fact that these two cereals are the 
only ones of economic importance in the State which it is possible to treat 
successfully for smut. While it is possible to kill the spores of corn smut 
by treating the seed, it affords no guaranty that the plants will be free 
from smut. This is owing to the fact that the method of infection by 
corn smut is unlike that of the other two cereals, inasmuch as the corn 
plant is liable to infection at any point where there is young, growing 
tissue, and at any stage of its development. 
In order to test the relative resistance of smut spores as compared 
with the grain itself, separate lots of each were treated side by side in 
the same solution. 
The smut spores used were those of the loose smut of wheat and oats. 
These were obtained from a quantity of smutted heads collected last sum- 
mer from badly infected fields. When required for use the smutted por- 
