CONVICT LABOR FOR ROAD WORK. 93 



set on fire. The hot blaze destroys all the germs lying near the surface of the excreta 

 as well as on the sides of the pits, and completely removes all odors. i 



Some authorities believe that still better results could be obtained 

 by using oil alone in increased quantity (by an additional quart) as 

 the residue from burned hay or stray fills the pit uselessly. The 

 effect of the burning decreases in the afternoon, and odors, especially 

 on warm days, may again become noticeable; then a liberal coating 

 of lime is recommended, or of fine dry earth. Crude petroleum or 

 diluted formalin sprinkled into the pit is useful at any time as a 

 disinfectant and to repel insects. 



At one camp in Mobile County, Ala., the boxed pit was in use, and 

 was disinfected with fire each day in the manner described. The pit, 

 which was sheltered from view by a thatching of pine branches, was 

 in good condition and free from odors, and the camp authorities were 

 enthusiastic over the satisfactory results obtained. 



During the night, when it is impracticable to allow convicts to visit 

 the pit, pails may be used in the quarters, as already described. 



DISPOSAL OF EXCRETA IN LIMESTONE EEGIONS. 



In regions where there is limestone formation the danger of the 

 pollution of camp or other water supplies by human excreta is greatly 

 increased. Because of the fissures, channels, and crevices which 

 abound in limestone, the excreta may find its way almost directly to 

 water which is drawn from the well or spring, and this may occur 

 even when the excreta has been disposed of at a long distance from 

 the camp — a half mile or even much farther. The depth at which 

 it is buried also may have little effect in such cases. The ordinary 

 privies, cesspools, and pits are, therefore, very dangerous in limestone 

 localities. 



The burning or boiling of all excreta is the surest way of making 

 it harmless, but this is a somewhat tedious and expensive process and 

 frequently is almost impossible to accomplish in convict camps. 



The following method, if carefidly adhered to, will render the 

 excreta practically harmless, and its use exactly as described is 

 urged at all camps in Hmestone regions : 



1. Use either the pail system, or a sanitary privy with water-tight 

 receptacles. 



2. Every time a deposit of urine or feces is made in a pail or privy 

 can, throw in a cupful of chloride of lime solution and a small handful 

 of slaked or unslaked lime. The solution should be made by dis- 

 solving one pound of chloride of lime in 8 gallons of water. It must 

 be kept in tightly stoppered bottles so as not to lose its strength. 



> Havard, " Military Hygidne," p. G30. 



