SEED. 95 



The late Judge Buel recommended a moderate 

 solution of crude saltpetre, to which he added half a 

 pint of tar for eight quarts of seed ; the tar previously 

 diluted with a quart of warm water. The mass is to 

 be well stirred, and when the corn is taken out, let as 

 much plaster be added as will adhere to the grain. 

 The experience of years, he adds, will warrant me in 

 confidently recommending this as a protection for the 

 seed. 



Coal or gas tar is now preferred by many farmers, 

 and when used should be limited in quantity and ap- 

 plied as evenly as possible. Mr. G-. Haines, of New 

 Jersey, in writing to the Country Gentleman, re- 

 marks : " I have used both kinds of tar for that pur- 

 pose, but for the last ten years have preferred gas or 

 coal tar, because it is much more easily applied, and 

 equally safe. If the corn is made jet black with it, 

 it may not grow, but there is no occasion for that. 

 Take a paddle and dip from the tar to the corn once 

 or twice, then stir till the corn is all coated, and 

 appears through the tar of a yellowish brown color. 

 It may easily be tested by throwing a little to the 

 poultry. The crow blackbirds have about twenty 

 nests in the pine and cedars of my yard each spring ; 

 but if my planted corn was tarred (which is gener- 

 ally the case), I have not the slightest objection to it." 



Mr. G. F. Saxton, of Williston, Vt, writes to the 

 American Institute Farmers' Club as follows : " You 

 are mistaken in supposing coal tar will injure seed 

 corn. I have used it for five years upon seed for sev- 

 eral acres annually with perfect success, as follows : 



