55 



be impossible to m^ke any flour that could be used for bread- 

 making uutil all the acid deposited should have been absorbed 

 and carried away, which would result in enormous waste of ma- 

 terial. I find, however, that the acid could be neutralized to a 

 great extent by ammonia, and this, or some other equally power- 

 ful agent, would have to be used before turning the mill on to 

 making flour again after the application of the gas." 



In dealing with the Mediterranean flour moth eternal vigilance 

 should be the order of the day, and if the above methods are 

 faithfully employed, I think that we shall, in a few years, hear 

 little or nothing about the insect in the mills of this country. 



MISCELLANEOUS EXPEDIENTS. 



Many ineffective expedients have been resorted to in the war- 

 fare with the flour moth, but they deserve only passing notice, 

 and are mentioned here mainly for the benefit of experimenters. 



Kerosene. — We have used this substance for washing walls, ap- 

 paratus, and the inside of machines, but fiud it slow aod tedious, 

 and I would suggest its use only in extreme cases, where it is 

 necessary to take a machine or other piece of apparatus apart. 



Solution of Soda and Water. — A strong solution of soda and 

 water has been used to good advantage for washing the inside of 

 machines, and is very effectual in destroying larvse when it comes 

 in actual contact with them. 



Soap and Lime. — A mixture of soft lye-soap and lime has 

 been used for washing elevators and bolting- reels. This, like 

 the above washes, is used mainly for cleansing the machines, and 

 is of very little value unless the washing is kept up at regular 

 and frequent intervals. 



Buhach. — This substance(also called pyrethrum, insect-powder, 

 etc. ) was burned in a single mill with slight success. It is not 

 as effective as bisulphide of carbon or sulphur fumes, and is more 

 expensive. Mr. Danysz has given quite a lengthy account of his 

 experimental work with this substance in his paper. 



Ammonia. — Ammonia has been tried without success. 



Hydrocyanic Gas. — I have some hopes from the use of hydro- 

 cyanic gas, but have not carried my experiments far enough to be 

 certain of its safety or of the feasibility of its application in mills. 



Corrosive Sublimate. — A solution of this substance has been 

 used in mills for spraying walls, floors, and ceilings, but on ac- 

 ■count of its poisonous nature I would not recommend it. 



Zjime. — Very many millers after thoroughly cleaning and then 

 whitewashing their mills have found that the pest was more easily 

 kept in check. If the ceilings and walls of the mill are not tight, 

 I would suggest that a little glue be added to the whitewash be- 

 fore being applied. Various methods have been used for apply- 

 ing this substance. S )me paint the ceilings, walls, and floors, 

 using a brush; while others use a pump and sprayer, forcing the 

 lime into every crack and crevice. Ordinary whitewash, as com- 

 monly used, rubs off easily and often becomes a source of annoy- 



