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 99.75 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 which they 
were intended and the dilutions at which the resulting products 
should be employed under various conditions have become so well 
established that am^ 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 
