24 
pound of chloride of lime and two pounds of copperas; let it stand 
from twelve to eighteen hours before planting.’ ” 
In the next number of the same paper (May 17, 1860) I find the fol¬ 
lowing from Mr. R. M. Graves: 
“I soaked evergreen sweet corn in a solution of chloride of lime, J 
oz., copperas, J oz., and two quarts of warm water, eighteen hours ; 
rolled it in ashes, and planted immediately m sandy soil. Four days 
after I find every kernel but one like the sample enclosed (dead). 
The one is sprouted one-fourth of an inch.” 
The following anonymous communication on this subject is found 
in the same paper, Aug. 9, 1860: 
‘•The following is my experience in soaking corn for seed in a solu¬ 
tion of chloride of lime and copperas : 
The first trial was with one bushel of corn; lime and copperas dis¬ 
solved in boiling water, then added sufficient to cover the seed corn, 
thus reducing the temperature to about 120 degrees; soaked 12 hours, 
poured solution off, and let corn stand 24 hours longer with additional 
stirring. By this time most of the kernels showed signs that the 
sprout was just ready to burst forth, and indeed some had started. 
Planted just after a rain on a cloudy day; the result was about four 
days the start of dry corn planted the same day. 
Second trial. —Corn to replace that dug by mice and destroyed by 
worms; solution as above; corn soaked 16 hours and planted immedi¬ 
ately, wet; ground moist; weather warm; dry corn planted same 
day, same manner, same ground ; no observable difference in coming 
up. 
Third Trial —Corn soaked 18 to 20 hours; planted immediately; 
dry corn planted same day; weather hotter than second trial, ground 
drier; soaked corn about one and a half days the advantage. The 
conclusion of the matter in my estimation is, that it don't pay. Mice 
and worms will take it just as quick as dried corn.” 
In addition to what has already been stated in reference to tarring 
seed corn, I add the following: 
Valley Farmer , April 1859: 
“After the corn is carefully selected and shelled, make a solution of 
8 oz. nitre in 4 gallons of tepid water, in which soak one bushel corn 
for 12 hours; then drain off the water, give the corn a good coat of 
tar, then sprinkle over some leached ashes or slacked lime, stir well 
and plant immediately,—three inches deep,—leave no clods on the 
hills; the nitre is a preventive against various insects, worms, etc. 
The tar forms a coat around the grain and preserves the germ in cool, 
damp weather. The ashes adhering to the grain will promote the 
growth of the plant. I have prepared seed corn in this way, and pro¬ 
cured a good stand without replanting a hill, while my neighbors 
would have to furrow out their grounds and plant over again. 
S. L. B.” 
I think it probable that the tar and ashes have much more to do in 
preventing worms from attacking the seed than the nitre; but the 
soaking is necessary in order to insure germination. 
