38 



As carbolic acid, creolin and the other coal-tar products are less 

 dangerous, it is better that they be used unless the use of the subli- 

 mate can be entrusted to an intelligent and reliable man. 



To destroy infectious matter in the air or in those parts of the 

 stable that cannot be easily or thoroughly treated by those disin- 

 fectants already mentioned we must employ an aerial disinfectant. 

 As a precautionary measure to insure thoroughness it is frequently 

 advisable to use an aerial disinfectant in conjunction with one of 

 those previously discussed. Gaseous disinfectants will penetrate 

 into cracks and corners that cannot be reached with liquid prepa- 

 rations. 



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 satisfactory 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 advisable 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 sulphur. 

 That form called ' ' flowers of sulphur " is more convenient 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. 



