>Does anyone know of a hand-held moisture meter that could be used to
>take a
>reading from pollen?  I know these meters are used for all kinds of
>grains
>and even for wood, but I have no idea what they are called or where to
>start
>looking.

You might get a grain moisture meter from a farm store.  But it is my
experience that hand held devices are of questionable accuracy (usually
accurate within 5 or 10% at best) . How often do you check them for
accuracy?  I used to sell an $8,000 infrared device, occasionally  we
would calibrate it  with something as simple as a scale (triple beam
balance) and a toaster oven.  This is the weight loss on drying method.
It is somewhat time consuming but is pretty cheap and accurate as long as
you don't over dry the substance you are weighing. My suggestion would be
to weigh prior to putting the sample in the oven, then continue weighing
every few minuets until it stops loosing weight. the difference is the
weight of water in the sample which can be converted to % moisture by
weight.

Knox Adler
Marthasville, MO