METHODS OF DESTROYING TICKS. 39 
CONSTRUCTION OF VATS. 
The specifications for such vats us will be found best adapted to 
use in Montana are taken from Farmers' Bulletin No. 378, already 
referred to, as follows : 
SPECIFICATIONS AND MATERIALS FOR A DIPPING VAT. 
A vat constructed according to the accompanying plans will bold 2.0SS gallons 
when filled to a depth of 5 feet. 
Excavation. — Excavate for the vat, as shown by the drawings [fig. 3 J, to the 
proper depth. Level the bottom of the pit for the sills. After the vat is com- 
pleted fill in around it, using the surplus natural grade, and slope the surface 
away from the vat. Dig the holes required for all posts, etc. 
Carpenter work. — The drawings show the vat constructed according to two 
methods. One method is to make the sides of 4 by 4 inch posts spaced about 3 
feet apart and lined with 2 by 8 inch dressed, sized, and bevel-edged plank, 
using 20-penny spikes to fasten them to the posts and braces. All the joints are 
to be calked with oakum, well driven in with a calking iron, and pitched. The 
floor of the vat and the inclines are to be made of 2-inch plank, with joints 
calked ; the exit incline to have 2 by 4 inch cleats spiked to the plank flooring. 
The slide should have an angle of about 25° and should be covered with No. 16 
galvanized iron. 
The other method is to build the sides of the vat of 2 by 4 inch posts and 2 
by 4 inch braces spaced about 16 inches on centers. The 2 by 4 inch posts and 
braces are to be lined with |- by 8 inch tongued-and-grooved flooring, blind 
nailed at every bearing with 10-penny nails. All the joints are to be laid in 
white-lead paste and the boards firmly driven up. 
Lumber. — The lumber used in the construction of the vat must be thorough ly 
dried and seasoned stock, free from large and loose knots, straight grained, and 
free from sap. 
(l utters. — The gutters for the dripping pens should be made of sound stock, 
the bottom plank housed into the sides and ends, and the ends housed into 
the sides. All the joints are to be laid in white-load paste and thoroughly 
nailed. Gutters are to have a 3-inch fall in 11 feet. 
Bill of material* for rat and draining pens. 
Vat: 
Sills, 8 pieces 4 by 4 inches by 10 feet long. 
Posts — 
1 piece 4 by 4 inches by 16 feet long. 
1 piece 4 by 4 inches by 14 feet long. 
(» pieces 4 by 4 inches by 12 feet long. 
5 pieces 4 by 4 inches by 10 feet long. 
Braces — 
1 piece 4 by A Inches by 16 foot long. 
6 pieces 4 by 4 Inches by 12 feet long. 
1 piece 4 by J baches by 10 feet long. 
1 piece 4 by 4 inches by o' feet long. 
Guards 
2 pieces 2 by 8 inches by 18 feet long. 
1 piece 2 by 8 inches by 16 foot long. 
2 pieces 2 by 8 Inches by 12 feet long. 
1 piece 2 by S inches by L0 feet long. 
