282 
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
have a number of pits dug for the reception of rejected fodder, moist 
dung and discharges, which should not under any pretext be allowed 
to lie about or be pushed a few yards away from the standings. 
Apart from the unpleasantness of such insanitary conditions filth 
tends to collect flies, and they not only irritate and worry sick 
animals but can and do carry infection in certain diseases. The 
pits should be covered in with two feet of earth. During the dry 
season there is no reason, apart from laziness, why all such material 
should not be destroyed by fire. The constant burning of such 
material on the windward side generally suffices to keep away the 
various kinds of insect torments frequenting elephant camps. When 
camps are within easy reach of railways or steamers a plentiful 
supply of cheap disinfectants should be obtained, perhaps the easiest 
carried is powder, such as McDougal's, Sanitas, etc., which should be 
freely used. Quickhme is very useful to throw over the refuse 
before filling in the pits. Standings should be changed frequently if 
only to a distance of 20 or 30 yards. When an animal is removed 
the ground should be covered with straw, grass or leaves, etc., and 
fired. Before moving from a camp care should be taken to see that 
it is left thoroughly clean, not only on account of the possibility of 
having to use it again, but to safeguard the animals of other owners 
who may perchance camp there. 
6. As to diet of sick animals, plenty of good, freshly-made 
gruel should be allowed and freshly-cut green fodder offered. The 
healthy animals should be kept on green fodder ; coarse, dry, indi- 
gestible food is objectionable at any time, but especially so during 
outbreaks of disease. 
7. Ropes and other gear easily replaced that have been used 
or in contact with sick animals should be burned. All iron work, 
i.e.^ chains, etc., should be run through a fire. Should a case of 
any dangerous infectious malady occur in a shed, if inexpensive, it 
should be burned. If costly, the walls must be thoroughly washed 
with boiling water mixed with very strong carbolic acid or phenyle. 
As the floor becomes soiled with the discharges, it is necessary to 
remove the earth to the extent of two feet at least, throw in new 
earth and disinfect the whole standing. The shed should not be 
occupied for some little time. All posts and other wood should be 
washed with strong carbolic and, later on, dressed with tar. 
8. The carcases of animals that die should be buried as near to 
the place of death as possible. If they have to be dragged to any 
distance the natural orifices should be plugged with tow or cloths 
wrung out of some disinfecting fluid to prevent, as far as is possible, 
soiling the ground. The grave, whenever possible, should be dug 
alongside the carcase. Where cremation is possible it should be 
