Burnt-Grain, a distemper incident to corn, and frequently confounded with the smut, though in its nature, very different from the latter. According to Duha-mel, the husks, or external coverings of the grains in burnt cars, are, in general, tolerably sound, with this difference only, that when the seeds begin to ripen, they appear drier and more parched than those of the healthy ears. The skin, or bran, which forms the immediate covering of the grain, is not destroyed in this disease, as is the case in the. smut: and the infected ears are firm and consistent in their texture, than the sound ones : the husks of the former also become dry and whitish, in proportion to the increase of the distemper. The grains retain some degree of firm-nets, and if opened, are found to be full of a brownish substance emitting a nauseous smell, and being unctuous to the touch.

The most effectual method of preventing a distemper, the cause of which is as little known as that of the smut, is first to wash the seed well in common water, and scum oil* all the damaged grains that float on the surface, then to steep it in brine, a strong ley of ashes, urine, etc.; lastly, to sprinkle it well with quick-lime, before it- is sown.