169 FUMIGATION METHODS 
mdication of the peach-pit odor, the enclosure should 
not be entered until after it has disappeared. 
Residue in vessels,—The material left in the vessels 
after fumigation should be handled carefully. It is an 
excellent fertilizer, and can be used for that purpose if 
composted with earth or other material. Where 
available, it can best be utilized by throwing it upon 
a manure pile. Wash quickly in cold water, if by 
accident the acid is gotten upon the flesh. The 
chemical composition and value of the residue is given 
fully in Chapter II. 
Cars and ships.—Not infrequently railroad coaches, 
street-cars and ships become badly infested and over- 
run with vermin of various sorts. Such enclosures 
can be readily fumigated with hydrocyanic acid gas by 
following the directions given herewith. In South 
Africa some railroad companies have found it 
expedient to fumigate their passenger coaches to 
keep them free from bedbugs and other pests. 
Very often ships are overrun with cockroaches, fleas, 
bedbugs, etc. The gas can be supplied in such places 
with perfect success for the total destruction of the 
vermin. In any case whatever enclosure is to be 
fumigated the same precautions and methods for 
handling and generating this gas should be observed. 
Dwelling-houses and storerooms.—This gas can also 
be used with perfect safety in the hands of an expert 
in dwelling-houses or storerooms infested with the 
ordinary household pests. In such cases, however, 
great care should be taken in handling the material, 
and no person should be allowed to remain in the 
