144: QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL, [1 Fsp., 1899. 
STRYCHNINE SOLUTION FOR SEED CORN. 
Tm destruction wrought by bandicoots in newly sown cornfields, more 
particularly in scrub lands, has led to many devices either for the destruction 
of the pests or for the protection of the seed from their ravages. One of the 
peculiarities of the bandicoot is that, not contented with devouring the freshly 
planted grain, it will continue its depredations until the corn is 2 or 3 
inches above the surface. 
Steeping the grain in tar has hitherto been about the only protective 
method adopted by farmers. 
It has been now stated that a solution of strychnine will be found an 
effective preventive by destroying the depredators at once, when they attack 
the grain. But few people understand the way in which to prepare a solution. 
Hence these few notes on the subjects may be of value to any farmers who are 
troubled by the bandicoots, 
Solution of strychnine may be made as follows :— 
One part of strychnine is dissolved by 8,333 parts of cold water. 
Another authority says :— 
One part of strychnine is dissolved by 6,667 parts of cold water. 
One part of strychnine is dissolved by 2,500 parts of boiling water. 
As, however, these statements do not convey to the ordinary lay mind any 
idea of the quantity of strychnine which is represented by 1 in 8,333, it will be 
better understood if we say that— 
One gallon of cold water will hold 10 grains of strychnine in solution ; and 
One gallon of boiling water will hold 30 grains of strychnine in solution. 
ALCOHOL SOLUTIONS. 
One hundred and twenty parts cold alcohol will dissolve 1 part of strych- 
nine. Ten parts boiling alcohol will dissolve 1 part of strychnine. 
Methylated spirit will do as well as alcohol. 
Alcohol 58 o.p. has the dissolving strength of ordinary spirits of wine. 
Eighty-six per cent. of proof spirit will absorb 1 part of strychnine to 140 
of spirit. This is equal to 41°8 per cent. of absolute alcohol. 
OTHER SOLVENTS. 
The best are :—Chloroform, which dissolves 1 part of strychnine in 6 parts 
of chloroform ; and henzole, which dissolves 1 part strychnine in 164: parts of 
benzole. 
Ether dissolves 1 part strychnine in 1,250 parts ether. 
Carbon bi-sulphide dissolves 1 part strychnine in 485 parts carbon 
bi-sulphide. 
Glycerine dissolves 1 part strychnine in 300 parts giycerine. 
Taking for granted that the seed corn will absorb all the solution, if we 
know the number of grains in a bushel and the quantity of the solution, we 
can arrive at the quantity of strychnine deposited on each grain. 
Thus :—A. bushel of corn contains on an ayerage 50,000 grains. 
Ifa gallon of strychnine solution contains 30 grains of the poison, and 
all is absorbed, then each grain would hold 31 m. grammes of strychnine. 
Tf all the solution is not absorbed, then the remainder must be deducted 
from the 30 grains. 
ACTION OF STRYCHNINE SOLUTION. 
In this connection it is interesting to learn the absolute killing strength 
of a strychnine solution. 
Chemists reckon its action in terms of milligrammes per kilo. of the 
weight of the animal to be destroyed. 
To kill a rabbit: Bya course of over twenty experiments it is conclusively 
shown that 6 mil. grs. per kilo. (2°2 lb.) is the destructive dose. ° 
For cats: °75 (or #) m. gramme per kilo. 
