136 Gardening 
Fumigation for insects. Seeds of corn, peas, and beans 
are especially likely to be destroyed by insects (larva 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 bisulfid. 
To fumigate, paste paper over the perforated areas of 
the box and place an open dish containing two table- 
spoonfuls of liquid carbon bisulfid within the box and 
on top of the seed; then immediately fasten the cover 
on tightly. 
Caution! Carbon bisulfid 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- 
