No. 12:^.] DIVISION OF ORNITHOLOGY. 103 



less and effectual, and I have for years planted corn treated in this way 

 with a machine. — Ethan Brooks, West Springfield, Massachusetts. 



I have never had any trouble in using the planter. I usually, however, 

 tar the corn a day or two before planting, and spread it out to dry. My 

 method is to put a bushel of corn in a barrel; pour hot water into it to 

 warm it; drain off the water; take a stout stick, dip it into coal tar; stir 

 up the corn and then roll the barrel until the corn is all coated. In this 

 way very little tar is used. Then I throw in a few handfuls of land plaster, 

 roll it around and spread the corn out to dry. It does not interfere in the 

 least with the working of the planter. — J. N. Pardee, South Billerica, 

 Massachusetts. ^ 



Others have used creolin with good effect. It is hoped that 

 others still will try it and report the results. Some farmers 

 who do not care to take the trouble to tar their corn, sprinkle 

 soaked corn around the edges of the cornfield when the corn is 

 sprouting, and thus feed the Crows until the corn gets too large 

 for them to pull. 



' Care must be taken not to use too much tar or too hot water as either might interfere with 

 germination. 



