USTILAGO MAIDIS. 



question of the substitution of what is known as corn 

 1 ergot for that of rye, is one of some interest just at present, on 

 account of the cheapness arid ease with which the corn ergot can be 

 obtained. It is not properly called corn ergot, for it does not belong 

 to the same family as the rye ergot daviceps purpurea, and is like 



Fig. i. 



rye ergot only in its action. It is nothing but the smut which 

 destroys such large quantities of corn, and is known scientifically as 

 Ustilago Maidis. Its substitution for daviceps purpurea is something 



