133 
Dia static  Fungi. 
Am.  Jour.  Pharm . 
March,  1898.  • 
multiplication  of  each  species,  preparation  of  diastatic  substance  and 
the  comparison  of  the  diastatic  power  of  different  species  under  similar 
conditions.  Such  selected  species  are  then  subjected  to  cultivation  for 
the  purpose  of  obtaining  their  matured  spores  in  the  production  of 
diastatic  substances.  For  this  purpose  suitable  materials,  such  as 
rice,  hominy,  ground  corn,  or  wheat  bran,  are  thoroughly  steamed 
so  as  to  sterilize  the  mass,  as  well  as  to  gelatinize  the  starch,  and  the 
Fig.  i.— Taka-Moyashi. 
product  is  supplied  with  an  artificial  fertilizer  to  give  the  plant  the 
sufficient  amount  of  nutriment  for  its  complete  maturity.  On  to 
this  mass  selected  culture  is  sown,  after  which  it  is  put  into  an  incu- 
bator of  proper  temperature  and  humidity.  Inside  of  twenty-four 
hours  the  fungus  growth  will  become  visible,  and  at  the  end  of  six 
or  seven  days  the  growth  will  reach  its  maturity,  presenting  a  rich, 
velvety  appearance  of  color,  varying  from  reddish  to  dark  green, 
