ON WHEAT, &:c. 87 



be what is called a good wheat soil, though it is 

 believed that it would have been at least capable of 

 producing a good crop of wheat, and with tolerable 

 certainty. And with respect to other grain, no one 

 will doubt that the same quantity which is now rais- 

 ed, might in the case supposed, be raised on one half 

 or even one third of the land which is now requisite 

 to produce it. 



The diseases to which grain, particularly wheat, is 

 subject, are smut, and rust or blight. In addition to 

 these, there has recently appeared an insect which 

 threatens to be destructive, but of this we are yet 

 comparatively ignorant. 



The smut, whether a disease or an animalculae, is 

 found to be propagated with the seed, and may be 

 entirely destroyed by the application of new ashes, 

 or caustic lime, to the seed. 



There are some statements made upon good au- 

 thority, with respect to a species of wheat (Siberian), 

 which indicate that, like a species of oats now com- 

 mon among us, it is not liable to rust. If upon fur- 

 ther trial this should be found to be a fact, it will be 

 a very important one. One of your committee was 

 assured, upon the authority of Mr. Colman, that a 

 rope drawn over a field of standing wheat several 

 successive mornings, at a time when wheat was rust- 

 ing, particularly after cold foggy nights, removed or 

 prevented the rust, so that a large crop of plump, 

 heavy wheat was obtained, while an adjoining piece, 

 exactly similarly situated in every respect, but over 

 which the rope was not drawn, was rendered worth- 

 less by the rust. This, if confirmed, (and every one 

 can try an experiment so simple), will be an important 

 fact, and equally applicable to other grain besides 

 wheat. Respectfully submitted. 



JOHN KEELY. 



December, 1837. 



