The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-10-05
Erum the Sontnern PLANTER.
SMUT.

MR. EDIToR--There has been an unusual
prevalence Of smut in many Of the wheat crops
Of parts OF this and the adjoining county Of
BucAing ghanI, at the last harvest; and as blue
YilrloI affords a convenient, certain and cheap
remedy, L. some weeks ago, promised several
frends 10 furnish, Tor the September number OF
tn Southern Plante', short article describe
Ing the mode Of using it. 1t was deemed de-
sirable that il should appear III the September
number. IN order TO give time TO those who
might wish 10 Try it, TO obtain, IN good season,
a sufficient supply of the vltrio as il Is sell
dOmdJuud, ia country stores, In quantities
sufficient for agricultural purposes. An alb
senoe ofrhraA weeks from home, TO which |
re uraed but f W days since, must be M apo
logy tor scno,ng II 10 you so nearly upon the
issue Of your monthly publication.
| will mention, in the outset, as necessary
preliminary, that the wheat intended for seed
should be made as clean as good Wheat-tan
make ii. Then the operator, having
provided himself with an iron pot, in which to
dissolve the blue viiiioi, and u vessel OF suIta-
tie capacity for the wheat TO be stepped IN,
may proceed III the tJilOwIng manner: Dis
solve five pounds of blue vilr:ol in hot water.
and add as much cold water will entirely
cover FIVE bushels OF wheat, which should be
gently poured in, or, what is better, be pass
ed through riddle in order that the light aud
detective grains may float on the surface and
be SKINNED OFF. After being repeatedly stir
led aud cleaned OF Ight grains, let II remain
IN the liquor from ICur 10 SIX hours-but may
remain twelve hours, or longer, without INJURY.
Ii Is then, 10 be taken out, drained and rolled
in pusIe9; or il that is not at hand, may be
spread upon q floor and. with occasional
stirring, dried sufficiently for sowing.
"a second five bushels may then be put IN
The liQuOr ito whic b as much water should be
previously added as will supply the loss OF
quantity. or volume, accustomed by absorption
ot The hrst parcel,l proceeding In the same
manner as al first; and after II tiiiid, but
somewhat less quantity may follow Ii Is moi
deemed advisable To reduce the strength VI the
solution loo mu h, and ii is important that the
iiquur should rise at least hail an inch ABOVE
tbs suffice Of the wheat, when first put IN, as
the swelling Of The grain will, IN u few hour',
raise 1t 10 the surface. Before fourth parcel OF
wheat is put in, an additional portion OF the
yIrlo!-dssolved as before directed-at Inc
rate ot pound If vitriOi for every three Dush-
els Ct wheat must be given, with The necessary
quantity Of cold water; and so proceed untii
The liquor Qecomss ioui or turbd, when iresh
preparation must be made.
Ihe foregoing | consider the most con7enI-
enl, and have, ia repeated trials, 1ound II 10
be the most certain of all the remedies for
smut have ever tried or heard suggested. IL
Is aiso cheap remedy. The blue vltrioi can
lie bought for agricultural purposes, IN guam
titles o. twenty i've pounds, AT ten cents per
pound. | know al least that Messrs Adie q
Gray aud Alr. K. X. DuYal of Richmond viii
furnish II at that price. The cost therefore,
will be less than tour cents per bushei; but II
those who may give il fair trial do not hnd
IN an increased viEor of growth and product OF
healthy grain NOR; than double compensation
for ali HE cost aud labor Of the preparation,
their experience will greatly differ with mine.
Respectfully,
Your most obedier servnut.
JOHN 2. WILSON.
CumJertand, dug. "a, lS3@.