54 CIRCULAR 14 8, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



diluted dip. The addition of sulphur increases the effectiveness of 

 the dip for mange and extends the period of protection against 

 reinfestation. These dips should be diluted and used in accordance 

 with instructions printed on the label of the container. Do not use 

 a nicotine dip the strength of which is not given on the label. 



COAL-TAR CRESOTE DIPS 



The coal-tar creosote dips, commonty known as coal-tar dips, 

 are sold under many trade names. They are made from coal-tar 

 derivatives, and the principal ingredient is creosote oil, which is 

 made miscible with water by means of soap. When diluted with 

 soft water they are efficacious in eradicating lice, but they are not 

 dependable remedies for sarcoptic mange. 



Before using a coal-tar creosote dip in hard or alkaline water, 

 dilute a small, measured quantity of the dip with the water in the 

 proportion to be used in dipping and place in a clean glass container. 

 If, after standing for one hour, an oily layer or mass of globules 

 appears either at the top or at the bottom of the liquid, the dip 

 should not be used with that kind of water, as it is liable to injure 

 the animals. Injury may occur even when there is no apparent sepa- 

 ration in the dip so tested. 



The coal-tar creosote dips may be used cold or warm, but the 

 temperature of the bath should not exceed 95° F. They should be 

 diluted and used in accordance with the instructions printed on the 

 label of the container. 



OIL DIPS 



Kerosene, crude petroleum, crank-case drainings from gasoline 

 motors, and other oils and greases are commonly used in treating 

 horses for external parasites. When properly used they will control 

 mange and lice, but they often injure horses by blistering the skin 

 and causing the hair to fall out. Oil dips are not recommended for 

 common use in dipping horses. 



Cottonseed oil and kerosene, equal parts, or kerosene one-half pint 

 to 1 pound of lard or crude petroleum is often applied by hand 

 to hold mange and lice in check when the weather is too cold for 

 dipping. 



DIPPING VATS 



In those sections of the United States where there are a large 

 number of horses to be dipped cattle-dipping vats usually are avail- 

 able, and they can be utilized for dipping horses. (Fig. 33.) Plans 

 of cattle-dipping vats suitable for dipping horses are given in 

 Farmers' Bulletins 1017 and 1057. 



The so-called cage vats are sometimes used for dipping horses. 

 (Fig. 35.) In these vats the animal is placed in a movable cage and 

 lowered into the bath by means of a windlass or other mechanical 

 apparatus. (Fig. 36.) The operations are much slower than in the 

 longitudinal vat. 



Portable, galvanized-metal vats may be purchased, and they are 

 suitable for dipping a small number of animals. After digging a 

 trench and setting the vat so that the top is flush with the surface 

 of the ground, a chute and slide board should be provided as a means 

 of getting the horses into the vat. 



