136 Gardening 



Fumigation for insects. Seeds of corn, peas, and beans 

 are especially likely to be destroyed by insects (larvae of 

 moths and weevils), and sometimes the eggs of these are 

 laid on or even in seeds about the time they are har- 

 vested. It is well, therefore, to gather these seeds as 

 soon as mature and fumigate immediately upon storing 

 them. Also examine the contents of seed boxes occa- 

 sionally and, if insects are present, fumigate again with 

 carbon bisulnd. 



To fumigate, paste paper over the perforated areas of 

 the box and place an open dish containing two table- 

 spoonfuls of liquid carbon bisulnd within the box and 

 on top of the seed ; then immediately fasten the cover 

 on tightly. 



Caution! Carbon bisulnd is highly inflammable. Its 

 gas readily catches fire if flame of any kind is near. It 

 also affects human beings quite like chloroform. Do 

 not breathe in the fumes ; do not take light or flame into 

 the room when fumigation is in progress. It is best to 

 place the box in the open, but the gas forms poorly if the 

 temperature is below 50 F. All fumigation should be 

 done by mature persons who understand fully what care 

 must be taken. 



Seed treatment before planting. In a later chapter 

 we shall learn of certain plant diseases that are caused 

 by bacteria or by fungi. These bacteria and the spores 

 of the fungi, in some cases even the strands of fungi, 

 may be present on or in seeds, ready to grow and feed 

 upon the young plants when they germinate. This 

 condition may be indicated, especially in large seeds like 

 those of the bean, by the presence of blotches or dark- 



