COMPOSITION OF LIME-SULPHUR ANIMAL DIPS. 15 



polysulphids is perhaps lacking, it is certainly true that all available 

 evidence points to the existence of only those two. 



The methods of analysis have proved to be adequate in scope and 

 accuracy, as well as practical. Working in the ordinary way with 

 flasks and pipettes the analyst apparently will not recover from a 

 concentrate more than 99 per cent of the monosulphur, which indi- 

 cates a recovery of 99.T5 per cent of the polysulphur, or 99.6 per cent 

 of the sulphid sulphur, figuring on pentasulphid only. The loss 

 arises chiefly from oxidation during manipulation of the solutions 

 and may be reduced only by manipulating in an atmosphere of some 

 inert gas. 



PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS. 



It will be a logical concluding step to deduce from the data here 

 presented a working formula for the preparation of lime-sulphur 

 solutions. The subject has been dealt with by a number of investi- 

 gators primarily interested in the preparation of such solutions for 

 horticultural spraying purposes. Some of the formulas so developed 

 seem to have given entire satisfaction for the purpose for Avhich they 

 were intended and the dilutions at which the resulting products 

 should be employed under various conditions have become so well 

 established that any change in formula would be of doubtful prac- 

 tical benefit. It is quite otherwise with solutions intended primarily 

 for the purpose of dipping cattle and sheep. The formulas in use 

 are those prescribed by the Bureau of Animal Industry many years 

 ago when uncertainty regarding possible chemical reactions and 

 possible effects of the resulting compounds upon both animals and 

 parasites very properly led to the use of formulas which should be 

 certain and safe, even if somewhat uneconomical. The formula here 

 to be suggested is proposed therefore solely for use as an animal dip. 

 It may be termed the " 8-18-10 " formula ; that is, 8 pounds of high 

 grade commercial quicklime, 18 pounds fine sulphur (either flowers 

 or flour) with somewhat more than 10 gallons water, boiled to a 

 volume of 10 gallons at the finish. The time of actual boiling should 

 be one hour. The theoretical ratio between lime and sulphur will be 

 met by this formula if the lime is 98.3 per cent pure, therefore the 

 formula as given is appropriate for preparing a solution for dipping 

 sheep where any chance of an excess of lime must be avoided. If 

 commercial hydrated (not air-slaked) lime is used the amount should 

 be increased nearly one-third, say to 10.5 pounds. For dipping 

 cattle the formula may be used on the basis of available calcium oxid 

 if the analysis of the lime is known, or if not known the lime may 

 safely be raised to 8.5 pounds, corresponding to 92.5 per cent avail- 

 able calcium oxid, possibly even to 9 pounds. The manipulation of 

 the materials in the actual process of preparation has been described 

 in a recent publication from the Bureau. 9 



