J^O. 1. ] Mhc('l!nitet)us y<>f,e^. h'.^ 



grain are adopted : (1) thorough kiln drying is resorted to prior to putting the grain 

 iu the tanks 5 (2) bisulphide of carbow, the use of which does not injure the grain, 

 being of a very volatile nature the fumes soon pass away; (3) the placing of a small 

 piece of candle lighted on the top of the grain and then screwing the lid down 

 very tight, the object being to secuie an air-tight chamber. 1'he two latter methods 

 are most in vogue, and are iiwst mceessful in their results, the grain keeping per- 

 fectly for a period. Although tliis system of storing grain is adopted in several dis- 

 tricts in this colony by farmers, yet that part of the colony where it has been most 

 largely resorted to is what is locally known as the Isis scrub, in the Bundaberg 

 district." 



In tlie December number of tbe same periotlicnl, Mr. O. Clute, Pre- 

 sident of the Agricultural College ol: llie State of Michigan, United States, 

 America, writes — 



" I have had no experience or ohservatioji as to storing grain in metal cylinders or 

 tanks, hence can give you no information on this point. I do not think this method is 

 much followed in the States. The attacks of the weevil and some other insects have 

 been of serious character in some parts of America, resulting in great pecuniary loss. 

 A method of desti-oying such pests, and of protecting mills, granaries, elevators, etc., 

 against their ra,vnges, was tried by the experiment station a few years since. It has 

 now been used by large millers and dealers in grain with peifect success, and we 

 recommend it with confidence. As it can be used in any ordinary building, at a com- 

 paratively light cost, it seems to me better than metal tanks or cylinders. Indeed 

 the metal tanks can give no protection unless you are sure tliat the grain is free from 

 eggs when it is put in, and then that the tanks are liermetically sealed, so as to pre- 

 vent the insects from getting at the grain and laying eggs. 



"We use bisulphide of carbon, which rapidly evaporates, and makes a dense 

 vapour, whicli settles down through the grain and penetrates to every crack. 



"Tbe method of application adopted in America is to close up the room or store 

 as nearly air-tight as possible immediately after having sprinked the bisulphide over 

 the grain, at the rate of about l^lh, to tiie ton, when, being heavierthan the air, its 

 Vapour sinks down tlirongh every. interstice. This carbon bisulphide is not so injurious 

 to human life as some other vapours, but it is very explosive when mixed with air, 

 and thniefove great care should be taken not to bring a light near when it is beinic 

 applied. It evaporates so quickly that it can be thrown on any grain without injur- 

 ing it in any way. After opening the can in which the bisulphide is received, no 

 time should be lost in using, hut the contents .should be at once fcattered in tbe bins, 

 and the doors or covers closed as quickly as possible, and kept closed for 24 hours, 

 to give time to the vapours to act and reacli every corner." 



In the January number o£ the same periodical (1892) the Editor 

 writes — 



'* The following information and accompanying plan are results of further in- 

 quiries by the Department in connection with various methods for the safe storage of 

 grain : — Steel tanks were recommended, and an application was therefore made to 

 Messrs. Hudson Brothers (Limited) for designs, together with their quotations as to 

 cost. It will be seen that the design supplied shows two sizes, with piovision for 

 fumigation. They would be built of steel plates, and the estimated prices are, for 

 the smaller size, £99 \hs. complete, free on rail at Granville ; and for the larger, 

 £465, in sections ready to put together, also free on rail at Granville. On receipt of 

 these d(Cuments the Director wrote, pointing out that the price?; quoted were beyond 



