GRAIN AND ITS CULTIVATION. 133 



by the addition of brimstone. Whenever obnoxious to these 

 attacks, the only safety is, to place the crop in the best con- 

 dition to withstand them, by hastening its growth, and by 

 the propagation of the most hardy varieties. An application 

 of unleached ashes in damp weather, will sometimes dimin- 

 ish the ravages of worms at the root. Quick-lime has the 

 same effect on all insects with which it comes in contact ; 

 but it should be carefully applied to avoid injury to the 

 plants. 



Smut is a dark brown or blackish, parasitic fungus, which 

 grows upon the head and destroys the grain. The only 

 remedy for this, is washing the seed in two or three succes- 

 sive strong brines, and intimately mixing and coating it with 

 quick-lime before sowing. 



Rust affects the straw of wheat while the grain is form- 

 ing, and before it is fully matured. It is almost always 

 present in the field, but is not extensively injurious except 

 in close, showery and hot (muggy) weather. The straw then 

 bursts from the exuberance of the sap, which is seen to 

 exude, and a crust or iron- colored rust is formed in longitu- 

 dinal ridges on the stalk. It is generally conceded, that 

 this rust is a fungus or minute parasitic plant which subsists 

 on the sap ; but whether it be the cause or consequence of 

 this exudation is not fully determined. There is no remedy 

 for this when it appears, and the only mitigation of its ef- 

 fects, is to cut and harvest the grain at once. The straw in 

 this case will be saved, and frequently, a tolerable crop of 

 grain, which partially matures after cutting ; while if suffer- 

 ed to stand, both straw and grain will be almost totally lost. 

 The only preventives experience has hitherto found, are the 

 selection of hardy varieties of grain, which partially resist 

 the effects of rust; sowing on elevated lands where- the air 

 has a free circulation ; the abundant use of saline manures, 

 salt, lime, gypsum, and charcoal; the absence of recent 

 animal manures ; and early sowing, which matures the plant 

 before the disease commences its attack. 



Harvesting. The grain should be cut immediately after 

 the lowest part of the stalk becomes yellow, while the grain 

 is yet in the dough state, and easily compressible between 

 the thumb and finger. Repeated experiments have demon- 

 strated, that wheat cut at this time, will yield more in meas- 

 ure, of heavier weight, and a larger quantity of swee.t, white 

 flour. If early cut, a longer time is required for curing be- 

 fore storing or threshing. 



