PART II. (continued 2)
Reading edition
“Previous to using the hold again for live freight, a current of air should be admitted through it to remove the chlorine.
“Many recommend the use of charcoal; but it is not alone more difficult of application, but it is much less of a disinfectant than a deodoriser. Charcoal will not, like the chlorides, decompose the matter of disease. If the damp matter of glanders, or sheep-pox, be well mixed with a strong solution of chloride of lime, it will seldom produce bad effects by inoculation; but if pure charcoal of any kind be used, the contagious principle of the diseased matter is not at all diminished in its virulence—quite the contrary; similar results are found if cow-pox be the matter used in the experiment.
“The cost of the readiest materials for the production of chlorine gas is very trifling. The salt is not ¼d. per pound; black oxide of manganese but 4d. per pound; and sulphuric acid 1½d. per pound. These are the retail prices. A couple of pounds weight of each would suffice for a large-sized hold.
“The attention of the customs, shipowners, and veterinary inspectors is directed to the above disinfecting means.
(Signed)
“Hugh Ferguson, Her Majesty’s Veterinary Surgeon, Principal Government Veterinary Inspector, Ireland.”