The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1901-03-01

used for the destruction Of prairie dogs.
poisoned grain and bisuIphide Of carbon
have been found, in the preliminary ex-
periments conducted by the biological
survey, the most effective and econ mic a.
Poisoned grain is the least expensive
OF the two ana is most efficient IN early
spring when food is scarce. At this sea-
son, when properly ana sysIematica, y
used, 1890 per cent OF the animals may
be destroyed at a cost OF about 10 cent s
per acre. The remainder may be killed
by the use Of bisulphiGe Of carbon, the
cost OF which VIII vary according 10 the
number of inhabited holes If the pois-
oned grain has been used thoroughly,
very fe wof the pest viii be left awe
and they may be destroyed by the use Of
bisulphide which should be confined 10
burrows which the anima.s have been
seen to enter Immediately before It is
applied. Should other prairie dogs ap-
pear later IN the season, they may be
killed by the bisulphide.
In this way, # sufficient attention IS
given the matter, it viii be found posi-
bic to destroy practically all of the prai-
RE dogs on areas OF moderate extent, as
in the case of cultivated ranches, but in
the case Of large cattle ranges, where the
area occupied by the animals is OF enor-
nous. If not indefinite. extent, it remains
TO be ascertained whether the cost per
acre Of destroying the animals is greater
or less than the value Of the grass.
Preparation and Use OF Poisoned Grain
Among our recent experiments, we have
used with success the formula recon-
mended by Prof a 7. Peters Of the Ne
braska Experiment Stauon. which is as
follows:
Dissolve three ounces strychnine and
half pound cyanide OF potass UNI in one
quart Of boiling water. Add two quarts
of molasses and one teaspoonfuI oil Of
anise. Pour this mixture over g bushel
OF wheat and stir well at the same time
sprinklIng in four pounds Of finely ground
cor nmeaL A tablespoonful Of this pois-
oned wheat should be sprinkled within
the entrance Of the burrow, or # in To-
cahdes where there is no possible danger
to cattle or horses, 1t can be scattered
about the mouths of the burrows.
''Bisulphide of Carbon-Bisulphide OF
carbon is a liquid which should be kept
tightly corked in bottles or small tin
cans. After exposure to the air ii rapidly
loses its efficiency. It should be used in
the following manner:
Pour a tablespoonful Of crude bisul-
phide on a piece Of horse manure. a lump
or dirt, or other absorptive material;
throw this as far as possible down the
burrow and close the orifce Immediately
Instead of using these substances the de-
sired quantity may be placed in a shallow
dish of any kind or even a receptacle
made by folding a piece of waterproof
paper, and thrust down into the burrow.
after which the mouth or the burrow
should be closed. as above described. Bi-
sulphide can be used to best advantage
after a rain, when the interspaces in the
soil are hlled with water so that tn
fumes are less readily diffused into the
surrounding ground.
"Cautions-The greatest care should b
exercised in handling both the poisoned
grain and bisulphide Bisulphide is in
fammable and highely explosive apd
should never be opened in the vicinity G
q light or fire. The poisoned grain should
never be placed where 1t may be reached
by cattle, hogs or poultry.
&C. HART AIERRIMAN."
Chief, Biological Survey"