26 FUMIGATION METHODS 
been removed from the bag and the smaller particles 
shaken out, the bag was again shaken out the window 
to free it of any particles that may have remained. 
As a result, a few small pieces, not larger than a pin’s 
head, were shaken on the ground. ‘Two fine, large 
chickens, especially prized by their keeper, roaming 
about, picked up some of the cyanide, and in less time 
than it takes to write this account they were on their 
backs. One died in a very few moments, while the 
other recovered, evidently not having gotten so much. 
Professor Woods tells me that a favorite cat, asleep 
under a bench in one of the greenhouses he fumigated, 
was killed without being awakened. A dog was 
placed in one of our fumigating houses to test the 
effect of the gas upon animal life, after the room had 
been opened and aired for seven minutes, and again 
closed. ‘The animal was removed after five minutes’ 
exposure in an unconscious condition, but recovered 
in half an hour. 
Frequently the writer has placed toads, frogs, 
snakes, pigeons, sparrows, rats, mice, dogs, and cats 
in some remote corner in buildings to test the thor- 
oughness of the diffusion of the gas. In every case 
the animal was dead when removed. Many instances 
could be cited, but this will suffice our purpose in 
warning those who use cyanide or hydrocyanic acid 
gas that they are exceedingly dangerous substances 
and must be handled carefully. 
