98 FIELD CnOP PRODUCTION 



81. Protection of seed corn from crows and rodents. — 



Crows and rodents sometimes do considerable damage to corn 

 by digging up the newly planted kernels or by pulling up the 

 young plants to get the kernel. Trouble from these sources can 

 be largely overcome by treating the seed corn before planting 

 with coal or pine tar. The tar, slightly warm, should be applied 

 to the shelled seed at the rate of about one tablespoonful to each 

 nine or ten quarts of corn. Stir the mixture until each kernel is 

 covered with a thin coat of tar, then add a handful of air slaked 

 lime or wood ashes, and stir again. The ashes or lime prevent the 

 kernels from sticking together. After drying, the seed is ready 

 to plant. 



