DISINFECTANTS 331 



weak solution will act as an antiseptic ; but one of the most 

 useful in the house, as well as in the stable, and easily 

 carried about when travelling, is quickly made by dissolving 

 tablets of Chinosol, which should always be kept at hand. 

 The old-fashioned Tincture of Myrrh is an excellent anti- 

 septic, though its value as such was never suspected when 

 it was in general use in stables ; but its healing power was 

 universally known and appreciated without understanding 

 the reason why. Tar is another simple, easily obtained 

 remedy, very useful in certain cases, such as thrush, or to 

 counteract the attacks of flies on a raw wound, after it has 

 been well diluted with honey, or some form of grease, or 

 common vaseline. Another excellent one is Paraffin, mixed 

 with a good body of water; while one always at hand is Soft 

 Soap, which should be formed into a lather and applied to a 

 wound by the aid of a plume from the wing of a hen, or some 

 such similar feather. 



Deodorants destroy or neutralise unpleasant odours, which 

 may be charged with dangerous germs and so be prejudicial 

 to health, and they accomplish their mission by being 

 powerful oxidising agents. 



The chief of them for stable use are : — 



Potassium Permanganate, 

 Carbolic Acid, 

 Formalin, 

 Charcoal ; 



and for refuse heaps and manure, the nurseries of the 

 common house-fly, which is a formidable agent in conveying 

 infection. 



Magnesia Lime (Burnt Dolomite), 



Fresh Slaked Lime, 



Gas Lime, 



Fresh Pine Sawdust, 



Ashes. 



Charcoal is one of the most valuable deodorisers, as it not 

 only oxidises, but also absorbs and condenses many foul- 

 smelling gases. Before the days of rapid transit it was 

 largely used when sending away presents of grouse from 



