CHAPTER IV 
EFFECTS ON ANIMAL LIFE 
WING to the very deadly nature of hydrocy- 
anic acid gas if inhaled by animals, the 
following instances are given as a warning 
to those who may handle this material. 
A fortunate accident happened in a fumigating 
house which should be a signal warning to those who 
may use this gas. ‘The house had been filled with 
Norway maple trees, and after the usual length of 
time the doors were thrown open. At the expiration 
of seven minutes a negro laborer, who had been re- 
peatedly warned not to enter the room under ten 
‘minutes, went in and began handing out the trees to 
another negro standing at the door. He handed out 
two bundles, and while stooping for the third fell 
headlong on the floor. He was immediately pulled 
out, laid on his back in the open air, recovered con- 
sciousness in about fifteen minutes, and was seemingly 
as well as ever in half an hour. When asked what 
had happened and how he felt, he replied, ‘‘ De Lord 
only knows dat stuff am a powful axfitter !’’ 
Another peculiar accident happened during our 
experimental operations at Mr. Emory’s. Our cyanide 
having been shipped to us in lumps too large for use, 
we found it necessary to break it up in smaller pieces. 
In order to do this and keep it from flying, we covered 
it with an old fertilizer bag. After the cyanide had 
25 
CUAL LES 
neath 
