130 



method was satisfactory except in wet weather when burning was 

 impossible. Such periods were followed by a plague of flies. Near 

 the manure dump a hole about 15 feet long by 10 wide and 4 deep was 

 dug for cremating dead animals. Half a cord of wood was piled 

 around and over the carcase and a couple of buckets of crude oil was 

 poured over it. About a score of carcases may be burnt before it 

 becomes necessary to remove the ashes. 



In dealing with human excreta the deep pit latrine has the widest 

 general application to camp conditions. The pit is usually about 

 8 feet deep, 1| to 2 feet wide, and 18-20 feet long for a company latrine, 

 with eight holes. The box must be light enough to be turned back by 

 two men and must be built of seasoned wood to prevent cracks per- 

 mitting flies, or even light, to enter. The covers must close the holes 

 tightly and a rail must be fitted to prevent them from remaining open 

 when the hole is unoccupied. In front of each hole should be nailed 

 to the upper angle a piece of tin, 8 by 12 inches, shaped into a gutter 

 and so placed that it will divert the urine back so as to clear the anterior 

 wall of the box. Besides walls the latrine should have a good roof to 

 protect the users and the pit. The roof should project sufficiently 

 beyond the walls to deliver storm water into a ditch at a distance of 

 about a foot from the walls. The daily burning out of the latrine is 

 important. The box is turned back, a layer of hay or straw is thrown 

 into the pit, which is sprinkled with crude oil and set afire. One U.S. 

 gallon of oil and 14 lb. of hay a day is sufficient. After the fire has 

 burnt out the box is restored to its place, its base being banked up 

 with a little earth. The charred layer over the excreta renders them 

 unattractive to ffies. This purpose is also attained, and perhaps to 

 an even greater degree by spraying the interior of the pit daily with a 

 suspension of lamp black in coal oil. For this the box need not be 

 moved. Night urine is collected in galvanised iron cans, whitewashed 

 and placed near a lantern in the company street and emptied each 

 morning into the latrine pit, after which they are burnt out and 

 whitewashed afresh, 



Teichmann (E.). Entlausung durch Zyanwasserstoff. [Louse Destruc- 

 tion by Hydrocyanic Acid Gas.] — Deutsche Med. WocJienschr., 

 Berlin, xliii, no. 10, 8th March 1917, pp. 303-304. 



In these experiments lice and their eggs were placed in glass dishes 

 (either open, or closed and wrapped in cotton wool) and subjected to 

 fumigation ^^dth HON in a well-closed room. Adults, larvae and 

 eggs were killed by 1 per cent, of hydrocyanic acid acting for 2 hours. 

 It ^\all be seen that the percentage value (1) multiplied by the number 

 of hours (2) produces the figure 2 ; if other percentages are used the 

 time must be varied so as to obtain this product 2. For instance, with 

 2 per cent, strength one hour is required. The gas has great penetrative 

 power and lice in one of the closed dishes were not protected in the 

 least by being placed in a bed beneath two pillows and a blanket. 

 A room of 2,120 cubic feet space may be entered fifteen minutes after 

 airing has been begun subsequent to a fumigation lasting two hours. 

 Clothes, beds, etc., in it may be used without much delay. The only 

 disadvantage is the poisonous nature of the gas, but if proper care is 

 exercised this need not be a deterrent to its use. 



