ERGOT IN RYE. 221 



781. Ergot is a diseased growth which is quite 

 common in rye and among our grasses. It 

 appears in the form of a hard, brittle, blackish 

 spur, of a form represented in figure 30, and 

 takes the place of the healthy seed, though very 

 much larger, being sometimes more than an inch 

 in length. An ear of rye attacked by ergot is 

 shown in figure 48. 



782. Ergot has been supposed to be caused by 

 a parasitic fungus growth starting from the ovule 

 or rudimentary seed. Instead of sugar, albumen 

 and the other substances of which sound grain 

 is composed, this spur or morbid growth contains 

 ammonia, considerable nitrogen, and an oily substance. 



788. Ergot most frequently prevails on low, damp soils, 

 in sheltered situations, but often on sandy soils, and some 

 times on all varieties of soil. 



784. There is no remedy for ergot after it has appeared, 

 but it may be guarded against, to some extent, by thorough 

 drainage and by carefully cleansing the seed, and, if 

 necessary, picking it out by hand to avoid planting any 

 that is diseased. If fed to some animals, it often produces 

 very bad effects. 



785. Trees, especially fruit trees, are often injured by 

 pruning or grafting done unskilfully, or at the wrong 

 season, or severe bruises inflicted in careless ploughing 

 around them, or otherwise. 



786. Fruit trees can be pruned with safety at any time 

 except in March and April. Grafting is usually done in 

 May or June. Both operations should be performed 

 carefully. 



787. When trees have been severely bruised, or large 

 branches have been broken off by accident, the wound or 



