Deterioration of Maize Infected luitJi Diplodia zeae. 
235 
The germ contains about three times more oil than ash, hence of the 
two determinations the latter would be the more delicate for determining 
the degree of degermination. 
The Nitrogen was determined by Kjeldahl's process. One gram of 
the dried substance was treated with 30 c.c. strong Sulphuric Acid and 
heated until there were no free solid carbonaceous particles present. 
Eight grams dry Potassium Sulphate was then added and the heating 
continued. After a while a few grams Manganese Dioxide was added 
gradually and the heating kept up until all the carbonaceous material 
was oxidized. When the mixture had lost nearly all its colour the 
flame was removed and the mixture allowed to cool. 
The cooled acid solution was next poured into a large flask containing 
100 c.c. distilled water. The small flask was rinsed out three times with 
distilled water and its contents , added to the large flask. 100 c.c. strong 
Sodium Hydrate (357 grams to the litre) was added to the contents of the 
large flask ; and the cork, fitted with a bent glass tube through which 
steam was to pass, and a splash-head leading to the condenser, immediately 
inserted. Steam was then passed through the large flask and the distillate 
absorbed in 20 c.c. Sulphuric Acid. This passing of steam was con- 
tinued until red litmus paper held over the exit was not changed. 
n 
The distillate was then removed and titrated with ^ Sodium Hydrate 
using Methyl Orange as indicator. 
Besult. — 
This reaction depends upon the fact that moulds contain enzymes 
known as catalases, which are capable of oxidizing Hydrogen Peroxide 
and thus liberating Oxygen. This enzyme also occurs in corn kernel, 
but is less abundant. Black and Alsberg found it located practically 
exclusively in the germ, and point out (1) meal from good whole corn 
will decompose Hydrogen Peroxide to a certain extent. (2) Thoroughly 
degerminated meal ought not to decompose Hydrogen Peroxide. (3) The 
extract of germ gives almost as powerful a reaction as spoiled meal. 
(4) Nitrogen Determination. 
Control . . 
Inoculated 
Per cent. Kjeldahl's 
Nitrogen in Dry Material. 
1-404: 
2-8 
(5) Beaction of Ori. 
