THE TOBACCO BEETLE. 21 



when mixed is exfremehj rapid., and, the generation of the deadly gas 

 begins at once.^ 



The fumigation closet should be perfectly tight to prevent escape of 

 gas. In fumigating storage rooms or buildings, arrange so that the 

 windows or doors can be opened from the outside. Do not enter the 

 room until it is thoroughly aired. When the chemicals are handled 

 with care and all details of the method understood, there is no special 

 danger to the operator, and the method has been used in insect con- 

 trol for many years with few records of serious accidents. It should 

 be stated, however, that hydrocyanic-acid gas is fatal to human 

 beings if breathed in any quantity.^ 



CARBON DISULPHID. 



While carbon disulphid is not as effective as hydrocyanic-acid gas, 

 the ease with which it may be used makes it for some purposes the 

 more desirable fumigant, particularly when the space to be fumi- 

 gated is small or when only a small quantity of material is to be 

 treated. The liquid carbon disulphid (CSo) merely has to be poured 

 into a shallow dish placed at the top of the compartment to be fumi- 

 gated and allowed to evaporate. The gas is heavier than air and 

 settles downward. This methods of treatment is a favorite one with 

 many cigar dealers, the main objection being the danger of fire.^ 

 Carbon disulphid should be used at a rate of not less than 4 pounds 

 of the liquid to 1,000 cubic feet of space. When only a small space 

 is to be fumigated and the cost of the treatment is consequently slight, 

 the exact amount of the carbon disulphid is of no particular im- 

 portance, providing the amount is in excess of the dosage recom- 

 mended. Best results are secured at temperatures above 70° F. The 

 time of exposure should be from 24 to 48 hours. All odor of the 

 fumigant disappears quickly when the substance treated is exposed to 

 the air. Tobacco or cigars, when properly aired, do not retain even 

 the slightest trace of the gas, and quality and flavor are not changed 

 perceptibly. 



DESTRUCTION OF TOBACCO BEETLE BY MEANS OF ROENTGEN RAYS. 



A process of destroying the tobacco beetle in cigars at the factories 

 by the use of Roentgen rays has been exploited commercially and the 

 method of treatment and apparatus used for the purpose at the pres- 



■■ Caro must be taken in fumigating buildings in close proximity to dwellings, as the 

 liberation of a large volume of hydrocyanic-acid gas may endanger the persons within the 

 dwellings. 



- In case of accidental inhalation of the gas, the person affected should be kept in the 

 open air and be required to walk to increase respiration. 



=! Carbon disulphid vapor is highly inflammable and explosive when mixed with air in 

 certain proportions, but it is not more dangerous to handle than gasoline. The fumes 

 should not be breathed, as the gas is poisonous. 



