DEODORISERS 53 



ducer, it volatilises rapidly ; it leaves, when freely used, a 

 film of iodine, and effectually destroys smells and noxious 

 organic matter. Its expense, however, precludes its general 

 use in veterinary practice. 



The uses of deodorisers. Objectionable smells are largely 

 made up of sulphuretted hydrogen, phosphuretted hydrogen, 

 and nitrogen gases, with sulphurous and ammoniacal com- 

 pounds. Some popular deodorisers only cloak and over- 

 power, instead of neutralising or destroying offensive smells. 

 Of this description are fumigations with aromatic and bal- 

 samic substances, such as camphor, cascarilla, and lavender, 

 the burning of brown paper, the sprinkling of scents and 

 essences. Odours depending upon gases are readily re- 

 moved by effectual chemical neutralisers : sulphuretted 

 hydrogen, by chlorine ; ammoniacal emanations, by hydro- 

 chloric and nitric acids. Smells from decomposing organic 

 matters are usually most effectually got rid of by arresting 

 decomposition by suitable antiseptics. For destroying the 

 intolerable smell from cochineal dye-works, no deodoriser 

 has been found so satisfactory as sulphurous acid. For 

 deodorising the contents of privies, without detracting 

 from the manurial value, a mixture of common salt and 

 carbolic acid, or eight parts of calcined dolomite mixed with 

 two of peat or of wood charcoal, can be recommended. 



Powerful mineral antiseptics, such as the zinc and iron 

 chlorides, especiaUy when used in concentrated solution, are 

 not good deodorisers. Not being volatile, they can only 

 destroy the odorous particles brought into immediate con- 

 tact with them. Iodine, dissolved in spirit, although an 

 expensive, is an elegant and effective deodoriser. Cresylic 

 and carbolic acids are good deodorisers, and are volatile, 

 but have the disadvantage, that when used in concen- 

 trated form, they may cause the evolution of sulphuretted 

 hydrogen. A mixture of dry sodium sulphite with carbolic 

 acid is effectual, and moderate in cost, and should be placed 

 in vessels about the premises. Creolin one part in 50 

 to 100 of water is largely used as a deodorant for cattle- 

 sheds, stables, piggeries, and kennels. Chlorinated lime, in 

 the familiar form of bleaching powder, although possessed 

 of small antiseptic power, is a prompt and effectual deodor- 



