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2. An easier, cheaper and a safe method of preventing bunt 

 has been discovered in the use of a dilute solution of formalin, 

 applied in the following manner : — 



(a) The diluted solution recommended for use is prepared by adding one 



part of formalin* to 480 parts of water, (e.g. 1 pint formalin to 

 60 gal. of water, or for small quantities, 1 fluid oz. to 3 gal., or 1 

 tablcspoonful to 1^ gal.). 



(b) The diluted solution is slowly sprinkled over the seed wheat at the rate 



of 1 gal. of solution to 2 bushels of seed. The seed must be moved 

 about and stirred until the grains are all thoroughly wetted, but in no 

 circumstances must the solution be allowed to form pools under the 

 heap in which grains might soak. 



(c) The seed is then placed in a heap and covered with sacks which have 



been soaked in the formalin solution ; the sacks should be uniformly 

 wet but not dripping. 



(d) The treated seed is left covered up for 4 hours, not longerf ; then 



spread out to dryina thin layer on a clean floor ; if the floor has been 

 previously used for untreated corn it should be wetted all over with 

 the formalin solution and allowed to dry before the treated seed is 

 spread on it. 



(e) Precautions must be taken to prevent the re-infection of the treated 



seed, e.g., sacks which have held untreated infected wheat must not 

 be used for the treated seed unless they have undergone treatment by 

 being soaked in the formalin solution or boiled in water. 



( f) The treated seed when dry should be sown as soon as possible. 



3. It would appear that a method involving the immersion 

 of the seed-wheat and skimming off the " bunted " grain, or the 

 use of machinery to secure the same end, is unnecessary. 



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* -Formalin is the trade name for a 40 per cent, solution of the gas 

 formaldehyde in water. Purchasers should obtain a guarantee that the forma- 

 lin sold i- of the above strength, and see that it is a clear solution free from 

 any precipitate. Formalin needs to be kept in a tightly closed bottle and 

 only freshly prepared diluted solutions should be used, as the gas is volatile. 



f In one case, that came to the writers' notice, of injury being caused, it 

 transpired that the farmer had left the treated grain in a heap 18 in. deep 

 from mid-afternoon till the following morning at 6.30. 



