16 Farmers' Bulletin 1102. 



feet from the ground. One or another of these methods has met with 

 varying success on occasion, but sometimes none will produce the de- 

 sired results. None can be considered infallible. 



DETERRENTS. 



Coal tar. Experience has shown that damage to corn and other 

 grains at sprouting time may be lessened by special treatment of 

 the seed. While the application of deterrents to the seed grain has 

 disadvantages, in that it involves additional labor at planting time, 

 tends to retard germination in periods of dry weather, and can not 

 be considered an absolute cure, the measure of success of many farm- 

 ers who have in this manner secured relief from crow depredations 

 warrants a description of the methods used. 



One of the most successful deterrents is coal tar, a cheap by-product 

 in the manufacture of illuminating gas, which may be secured at 

 gas works or at some paint shops. It is a dark, heavy liquid of 

 about the consistency of thin molasses and emits a strong, gassy 

 smell for some time, even after the grain treated with it has become 

 thoroughly dry. When used in the quantities here recommended, 

 coal tar in no way injures the germinating qualities of the seed. 

 This important qualification is not possessed by certain other sub- 

 stances, sometimes recommended as crow deterrents. Experiments 

 conducted by the writer also have shown that in periods of normal 

 rainfall germination is but slightly retarded by the coal-tar treat- 

 ment, though in periods of drought the retardation may be several 

 days. 



Coal tar should be used in the proportion of about a tablespoonful 

 to half a bushel of seed grain, the grain having been previously 

 heated by the application of warm water, and then drained. A con- 

 tinued stirring of the grain will eventually result in an even coating 

 of tar. The seed may then be spread out on a dry surface or may 

 be dried by the application of an absorbent medium, as ashes, land 

 plaster, or powdered earth. When thoroughly dry it may be used in 

 a planter. 



Deterrents are commonly used by farmers of the North Atlantic 

 States and to a lesser extent by farmers of the South Atlantic States. 

 In the extensive corn-raising regions of Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa, 

 corn is seldom tarred, probably because it is planted on so large a 

 scale that losses to the individual farmer are less severe. 



Bed lead. Another substance used as a deterrent is red lead. This 

 appears to have been used first in Europe, where it met with con- 

 siderable success. The grain is first given a thin glue size, and is 

 then drained and dusted with red lead until well colored. Though 

 this process has been used but little in this country, its success in 

 deterring birds in Europe warrants a further trial here. 



