
37 
BISULPHIDE OF CARBON. 
This is a colorless liquid with very offensive odor, which, however, 
passes off completely in a short time. It readily volatilizes and the 
vapor, which is very deadly to insect life, is heavier than air and set- 
tles and fills any compartment or bin in the top of which the liquid is 
placed. It may be distributed in shallow dishes or tins or in saturated 
waste on the top of grain in bins, and the gas will settle and permeate 
throughout the mass of the grain. In large bins, to hasten and equal- 
ize the operation, it is well to put a~quantity of the bisulphide in the 
center of the grain by thrusting in balls of cotton or waste tied toa 
stick and saturated with the liquid, or by means of a gas pipe loosely 
plugged at one end, down which the liquid may be poured and the 
plug then loosened with a rod. Prof. H. E. Weed reports that in Mis- 
sissippi the chemical is commonly poured directly onto the grain. In 
moderately tight bins no further precaution than to close them well 
need be taken, but in open bins it will be necessary to cover them over 
with a blanket to prevent the too rapid dissipation of the vapor. The 
bins or buildings should be kept closed from twenty-four to thirty-six 
hours, after which a thorough airing should be given them. 
Limited quantities at a time may often be advantageously subjected 
to treatment in small bins before being placed for long storage in large 
masses, and especially whenever there is danger of introducing infested 
grain. 
The bisulphidé is applied at the rate of 1 pound to the ton of grain, 
or a pound to a cubic space 10 feet on a side. 
In the case of mills, elevators, or larger granaries the application 
may be best made on Saturday night, leaving the building closed over 
Sunday, with a watchman without to see that no one enters, and to 
guard against fire. The bisulphide should be first distributed in the 
lower story, working upward to avoid the settling vapor, using the 
substance very freely, in waste or dishes, at all points of infestation 
and over bins throughout the building. 
This insecticide may also be used in other stored products, as peas, 
beans, ete., and very satisfactorily where the infested material can be 
inclosed in a tight can, chest, or closet for treatment. It may also be 
employed to renovate and protect wool or similar material stored in 
bulk. 
The bisulphide costs, in 50-pound cans, 10 cents per pound, and in 
small quantities, of druggists, 25 to 35 cents per pound. 
Caution.—The bisulphide may be more freely employed with milling 
grain than that intended for seeding, since when used excessively it 
may injure the germ. It must always be remembered that the vapor 
is highly inflammable and explosive, and that no fire or lighted cigars, 
etc., should be in the building during its use. If obtained in large 
quantities it should be kept in tightly closed vessels and away from 
fire, preferably in a small out-building. 
