28 
to me that the vapors which penetrate fabrics so well and kill in- 
sects so thoroughly would act in the same way upon the microbes 
which engender epidemics.* 
In discussing this paper Mr. Atkinson stated that he had used 
a very similar box in fumigating objects infected with insects. 
Mr. Gann an calls attention to the fact that at the museum of 
comparative zoology at Cambridge a large upright zinc-lined case 
was constantly used for disinfecting the skins of birds and mammals 
Mr. Riley had used Bisulfide of Carbon successfully for his in- 
sect collection. 
Mr. Smith had used it successfully for ants, and found it not in- 
jurious to vegetation. 
Mr. Carman reported having found it effective in destroying the 
melon louse. His method of applying it was to roll the vines up in 
a heap, then invert a tub over them, and after placing a saucer con- 
taining a tablespoonful of Bisulfide under the tub its edges were 
pressed down into the soil or the earth was drawn up when neces- 
sary. He had tried the fumes of burning sulphur and tobacco, but 
the former injured the plants and the latter did not kill the plant 
lice, many of them gradually recovering after being stupefied by it. 
Mr. Smith thought since the aphides often spread from parti- 
cular plants or hills, the use of Bisulfide in good season might make 
it possible to prevent the injuries of these insects. (See next page.) 
* Rote. I have observed in Bisulfide of Carbon no clearly defined power of 
rak.ng out the colors of fabrics which ] have subjected to its vapors. It may, 
there'ore, be used v ijiout fear, except, perhaps, in the case of the most deli- 
cate tints 
A FUMATORIUM. 
Would it not be a good plan for every florist and seedsman 
to have constructed an air-tight building into which could be 
placed manure or soil for the greenhouse benches or potting; 
also flower pots, rustic vases, pot plants, flowering shrubs, etc.; 
these could all be treated by the fumes of bisulphide of carbon. 
For every ton of manure or soil, one pound of the liquid placed 
in a basin or saucer will be sufficient. Leave the place closed 
for two or three days, according to quantity of material. Pot 
plants, etc., can be treated with a proportionate amount, accord- 
ing to quantity of plants. 
See page CO. 
