JULY: FIFTH WEEK 193 



Inoculation with artificial cultures has now come into 

 general use. Like many other of the newer methods, you 

 will find that it is very simple. 



The bacteria are kept and transported in a "medium" or 

 jeUy, which must be diluted according to direction and 

 spread over the seeds, which are then thoroughly mixed 

 so that each one receives a thin coating of the solution. The 

 bacteria, which live and work upon the roots, are ready to 

 take up their abode immediately the plant germinates. 

 Prepared "humus" is now used as a "container" for these 

 bacteria, and will keep longer than the jelly mediums. 



Usually where one kind of clover has been grown others 

 can be started without any trouble. But when you plant 

 things which you have not grown in your garden before, 

 such as winter vetch, soy beans, cowpeas or alfalfa, or for 

 garden peas and beans, if you do not seem to have success 

 with them, get a small bottle of the bacteria and inoculate 

 your seed before planting. 



As in the case of the bacteria in the soil, those in the ar- 

 tificial culture are very quickly injured by exposure to the 

 bright sunshine or to any drying wind. The seed should not 

 be treated until you are all ready to plant. 



