376 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



those disinfectants already mentioned we must employ an 

 aerial disinfectant. As a precautionary measure to insure 

 thoroughness it is frequently advisable to use an aerial disin- 

 fectant in conjunction with one of those previously discussed. 

 Gaseous disinfectants will penetrate into cracks and corners 

 that cannot be reached with liquid preparations. 



The two gaseous disinfectants most available for ordinary 

 use are sulphur dioxide and chlorine. 



The former has been employed for cleansing purposes for 

 many years, and experience has shown that it is a very 

 effective destroyer of pathogenic organisms. To get satis- 

 factory results, certain rules must be observed in its use. 

 Experiment has demonstrated that it is much more effective 

 in a moist atmosphere than in a dry one. It is therefore ad- 

 visable to thoroughly sprinkle all walls, floors and ceilings 

 of the space to be disinfected before the gas is generated. 

 To do its work well the sulphur fumes must be present in the 

 atmosphere to the extent of about three and one-half per 

 cent. Three pounds of sulphur are required for each one 

 thousand cubic feet of space. That the best results may be 

 obtained, all doors, windows, ventilators and other openings 

 should be tightly closed, that the gas may be kept confined 

 for at least twelve hours. The disinfection will be better if 

 retained for twenty-four hours. 



To liberate the gas, it is only necessary to burn the sul- 

 phur. That form called ' ' flowers of sulphur '* is more con- 

 venient than rolls or sticks. The sulphur is placed in an 

 iron kettle or upon a shovel, which may as a precaution 

 against fire be set upon a brick surrounded by water in a 

 wash tub or half barrel. A little alcohol may be sprinkled 

 upon it and then lighted or a few live coals may be thrown 

 upon it to start it burning. If the room to be disinfected is 

 large it is better to burn sulphur in several places rather 

 than in one, or one vessel containing it may be moved from 

 place to place at frequent intervals. The disadvantage of 

 the latter method is the difficulty of entering the room on 

 account of the fumes, and again, in opening doors frequently 

 more or less gas escapes. 



Animals should not be returned to the stable until it has 

 been thoroughly aired. 



