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. 1 
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 OP EXCRETA IN LIMESTONE REGIONS. 
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 carefully adhered to, will render the 
excreta practically harmless, and its use exactly as described is 
urged at all camps in limestone 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. 
i Havard, "Military Hygiene," p. 630. 
