1 82 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. 



