10 



Propekties of Carbon Bisulphide. 



Carbon bisulphide is a liquid one fourth heavier than water (specific 

 gravity 1.29). 



One gallon weighs nearly 13 lbs. 



It is very volatile and evapora'es rapidly when exposed to the air. 



It is highly inflammable Its vapour when mixed with air is liable 

 to explode when ignited. 



It boils at 115° F. Its vapour is much heavier than air and always 

 tends to flow downwards. 



It is a compound of carbon and sulphur : 3 parts of carbon united 

 with iH parts of sulphur. 



Its vapour possesses a sweetish smell when perfectly pure. The 

 commercial article always has a more or less objectionable odour. It 

 should not be inhaled in anv quantity as it causes dizziness and pal- 

 pitation of the heart. Fresh air is the best treatment in case of a 

 person becoming affected by the vapours. 



Rules for safe Storage and Handling. 



1. Keep it in the special iron drums or, if in small quantity, in 



stoppered bottles. See that the stoppers are tight. 



2. Store in a dark, cool place, preferably an outside stor.^ where 

 fire or light will not have access to the liquid. 



3. In pouring out a supply, take care that no flame nor even a 

 lighted cigar or pipe of tobacco is near. Arrange to have the 

 vapour as low as possible so as to avoid breathing it. 



Warnings. 



1. Do not expose the drums continuously to the heat of the sun. 



2. Do not store in a place where the vapour could possibly catch 

 fire. 



With these precautions, which are obviously necessary from the nature 

 of the substance, carbon b sulphide can be handled and used with- 

 out any risk or danger. 



Instructions for Use. 



Insects in the soil — For the destruction of root borers and ants, as 

 well as for sterilising soil in which seeds or plants liable to injury from 

 insects are to be r dsed, carbon bisulphide is an effectual agent. 



1. Root Borers — The liquid itself is destructive of any root brought 

 into contact with it. The vapour, however, in regulated quantity is 

 harmless to roots and hi.hly destructive to insect life in the soil. Hot, 

 dry, sandy soils shou'd only be treated when they have been thoroughly 

 moistened with rain or irrigation water. As a general rule, it is de- 

 sirable in all cases to use carbon bisulphide when the soil is still damp, 

 since its action is thereby better controlled and regulated. Bore holes at 

 the rate of 4 per square yard to a depth of 12 inches. No hole should 

 be within 18 inches of the tree-trunk. A quarter of an ounce of the 

 liquid should be poured down each hole. Special appliances are sold 

 for this purpose enabling two men to make ::^,000 injections per diem. 

 For occasional use, the holes should be made with a crow-bar and the 

 liquid poured down an iron tube. '1 he earth should be trampled over 

 the hole after treatment. In some cases the holes should slope 

 toward the tree trunk so as to reach insects under the central point. 



