138 VINEGAR, CIDER, AND FRUIT- WINES. 



living animals were found congregated especially in the fissures 

 of the cork. On examining them with the microscope two forms 

 (male and female?) could be clearly distinguished, many being 

 only one-quarter or one-half the size of others. Figs. 34 and 35 



Fig. 35. 



Vinegar-Mite (from the under side). X 120. 



show the two characteristic forms of these animalcules. As far 

 as it was possible to determine their zoological position they be- 

 long to the family Sarcoptidce. No particulars as to their origin 

 seem to be known, the manufacturer simply stating that they 

 had come from the soil under the supports of the generators and 

 gradually rendered the latter ineffective. The generators were 

 sulphured in the above-described manner and again put into 

 operation. 



To prevent the vinegar-mites from collecting in large masses 

 scrupulous cleanliness must prevail in the factory. Especially 

 should the draught-holes be from time to time examined, and, if 

 mites be found, thoroughly cleansed with hot water, which kills 

 them. The mites might also be prevented from penetrating into 

 the interior of the generators by rings of a sticky substance (tur- 

 pentine) around the draught-holes. 



