182 FUMIGATION METHODS 
hours, it eventually died apparently from the effects 
of the small amount of grain eaten, as it did not eat 
any more of either kernel of grain nor would it eat 
cheese or any other material placed before it. 
In general it was found that if the mice ate the 
damp grain immediately after taking it from the gas 
they became stupid and eventunlly died from the 
effects. If, however, the grain was allowed to remain 
for a time out of the gas before it was eaten, no ill 
effects seemed to be produced, although the grain did 
not seem to return to its normal condition, as it was 
never eaten readily after it became perfectly dry. 
When the mice could be induced to eat it, as they 
were in several instances, it did not seem at all injuri- 
ous. It may be concluded, therefore, that the fumi- 
gation of dry grains with hydrocyanic acid gas does 
not in any way injure the grain for food purposes. 
And even if the grain is damp, it will not be made in- 
jurious for food, if it is allowed to air for a short time 
after fumigating before it is prepared for use. 
Summary.—In brief, Dr. Towsend has clearly 
summed up the results of his work in the following 
paragraphs: 
Stored grains and other seeds may be fumigated with 
hydrocyanic acid gas of required strength and for 
sufficient time to insure the destruction of insect pests 
without injury to the germinating quality of the seeds 
and without rendering them injurious as foods. 
Dry grains and other seeds may be fumigated with 
the usual strength of hydrocyanic acid gas for several 
‘days without in any way interfering with the germi- 
nating property of the seeds. 
