CORN AND TAR.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 940, 3 November 1879, Page 2

CORN AND TAR.

" A Maize-Gkowbr," who is troubled more or less, every planting season, with pheasants or other feathered pests that devour his seed, desires to know more about the " tar dodge," as he terms it. For his information I give the following from a Canadian work — " Brown's Book of Manures " : — To keep birds from corn when first planted the following plans'are recommended : — Put the corn, aay half a bushel, into a tub, and pour in hot water enough to cover the seed ; let it stand a few urinates, then strain off the water, and pour over the corn a little gas or coal tar, which has been previously warmed until it is thin ; with a stick stir it thoroughly, which will give every Vernel a coating of tar ; then dust over it dry plaster to prevent the grains sticking to one another, and stir it up again. No birds will touch it after such a dressing, and though the seed will not sprout quite so soon, yet no injury has been done to it. Saltpetre, lib. ; copperas, sul. of iron, 31b. ; dissolve each in six quarts of water, in separate vessels (rain water is best). Put eight quarts of shelled corn into a tub, and over it pour the two liquids ; stir the whole well together, and allow it to remain twenty-four to thirty-six hours. Jnst before planting, drain it off. As soon as the dbrn is dry enough, coat it lightly with coal tar and dust it with plaster, and'^then plant. Seed prepared in this way is not liable to be attacked by birds or worms, will give the young plants an early start, a vigorous growth, and an early maturity. If cows or other birds attack it, they will not try more than a hill Dr two ; and, if they eat what they have pulled, will be found on the ground dead or dying. But the surest way, and we have succeeded with the plan over and over again, is—" string " the field with white cotton twine ; fasten it to short stakes, and cross it about every three rods. The cows are " scared "of a trap, and keep at a respectful distance. Agbicola.