22 



therefore recommend this treatment, which consists simply in immers- 

 ing the infected seed in scalding water (132° Fahr.) for not less than 

 five nor more than fifteen minutes, and immediately thereafter cooling 

 it quickly by immersing in cold water. 



In order to carry out this process satisfactorily when a large apiount 

 of seed is to be treated, two large vessels must be provided. These 

 can be large kettles hung over a fire, or large boilers on a cook-stove. 

 One vessel is to contain heated water (about i 10° to 120° Fahr.) for the 

 purpose of warming the seed preparatory to dipping into the second 

 vessel. This second vessel is to contain water at a temperature of 132® 

 to 135° F. Were not the seed warmed before dipping into the vessel 

 of scalding water the temperature of the latter would be very much re- 

 duced, perhaps below 130°, and then the treatment would not be 

 effectual. The seed, a half a bushel or more at a time, is to be placed 

 in a coarsely- woven basket having a lining of wire netting with meshes 

 fine enough to prevent the egress of the grains, say, twelve to the inch. 

 A heavy wire bushel-basket may be used, or a light iron frame made 

 over which the wire netting may be stretched. A lid or cover must be 

 provided for, otherwise a portion of the seed will escape upon immer- 

 sion. A sack made of coarsely woven cloth might be used instead of 

 the basket, but it is much less convenient. It is necessary that the 

 basket admit the water freely and immediately upon its immersion, 

 otherwise the treatment can not be expected to be effectual. An immer- 

 sion of a few moments (less than a minute) will sufficiently warm the 

 basket of seed, provided that it be lifted out then plunged in a time or 

 two and shaken or revolved so that the water may come in contact with 

 the grains. Then plunge it immediately into the second vessel, and 

 ■ with similar motion bring every grain into immediate contact with the 

 scalding water. The lifting and plunging should be continued at short 

 intervals until the seed is removed. In this way every portion of the 

 seed will be subjected to the action of the scalding water. Immediately 

 after its removal dash cold water over it or plunge it into a vessel of 

 cold water and then spread out to dry. Another portion can be 

 treated similarly, aad so on till all of the seed has been disinfected. 



The important precaution to be taken is as follows: Maintain the 

 proper temperature of the water (132° Fahr.), in no case allowing it to 

 rise higher than 135° or to fall below 130°. This will not be difficult to 

 do if a reliable thermometer is used and hot or cold water be dipped 

 into the vessel as the falling or rising temperature demands. Immer- 

 sion fifteen minutes will not then injure the seed, though no doubt in a 

 less time it will be thoroughly disinfected. 



The seed can be treated any length of time before sowing. If it is 

 to be stored it would be necessary to have it first thoroughly dried. 

 If treated immediately before using it can be sowed broadcast when 

 dried sufficiently to prevent adhesion of the grains, but for planting 

 with the drill it would need perhaps to be more nearly dry. 



