PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRD ENTOMOLOGICAL MEETING 1065 



For use, the parcels to be fumigated are placed iu the main chamber 

 and its lid tightly fastened down. The weighed quantity of sulphuric 

 acid and water is placed in a glass beaker or earthenware jar in the 

 fumigating chamber and the weighed quantity of potassium cyanide 

 is wrapped loosely in a piece of thin paper tied by a string of which 

 one end is passed through the hole in the top of the fumigation-chamber, 

 which is then closed up. All being ready, the packet of cyanide is easily 

 pulled up by means of the string and dropped into the vessel of acid, 

 a glass strip being provided on either side of the fumigation-chamber 

 through which it can be seen that the packet reaches the acid and that 

 the gas is properly evolved in the form of bubbles. The cork is of course 

 replaced as soon as the packet has been dropped in. 



The gas evolved (Hydrocyanic Acid Gas) is colourless and non- 

 explosive. 



On completion of the time required for the fumigation process, the 

 nuts holding dovrti the lid of the main box may be slacked off and turned 

 back. If the lid is properly tight, practically no gas should escape 

 during this process and no clanger should therefore be run by the operator. 

 The Hd can then be lifted, which is best done by raising it from some 

 little distance by means of a rope attached to the handles of the lid 

 and passing through a block attached above the Fumigation Box. 



Fumigation should not be done in a closed room but in an open shed 

 or verandah where the gas liberated from the Fumigation Chamber will 

 be rapidly dissipated without any danger to any one in the vicinitv. 

 If reasonable care is taken in opening up the box after fumigation, no 

 danger can ensue, but of course if the operator (or others) deliberately 

 inhales the gas, the consequences may be serious. AVith the help of a 

 block and long lead to raise the lid whilst keeping at a reasonable distance, 

 and of course to windward if there is any breeze, and with care not to 

 approach the box until all the gas has been dissipated, and with due 

 regard to selection of a locality so placed that the released gas will not 

 blow into any offices, etc. (it is very quickly dissipated and rendered 

 harmless in the open air), there is not likely to be any danger. 



The following directions for fumigating plants embody the necessary 

 information : 



1. Remove the covers of the cases, wrappings of packages, etc., and 

 spread the plants out in the trays together with all moss, wrappings, 

 etc., in or with which they have been packed, taking care that the coa- 

 tents of each package are kept separate. The plants should be spread 

 out loosely so that the gas will be able to penetrate between the plants. 



2. Close up the plant-chamber, wedging the door or lid securely. 



