78 MISCELLANEOUS RESULTS OF WORK OF BUREAU IX. 



At Rocky Ford, Colo., 98 per cent potassium cyanid was obtainable 

 in small lots for 50 cents a pound. When used at the rate of a pound 

 in 30 or 32 gallons of watei' tliis makes a comparatively cheap solution. 



Although this solution is extremely poisonous, there need not be 

 undue risk to human beings from its use if proper care is exercised 

 in preparing and handling it. When leaning over a half barrel of the 

 solution for the purpose of stirring it or dipping out pailfuls, the 

 fumes were quite noticeable and, with the writer, caused a slight dull 

 headache which lasted a short time. Although in applying the solu- 

 tion the writer's hands were frequently wet with it, and no ill effects 

 resulted, yet it would be safer to keep the solution from coming into 

 contact with the skin. Some persons are peculiarly susceptible to 

 this poison, and with some its contact with the skin causes a rash. 

 Persons with weak hearts should be especially careful not to inhale 

 the fumes. 



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