The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-06-09
DISEASE PREVENTION
FER FARM HOMES
Screening Against Flies And Use OF
Earth Closets ls Advised.
T. Il. TALIAFERRo,
Maryland Agricultural College.


The advent Of spring II closely fol-
Z lowed in most places by the appear
ance OF flies. In rural communities,
especially on the farm, It seems prac-
tically impossible to prevent the hy
nuisance on the farm, particularly so.
If there are number of animals about
the place,
The fy, primarily a scavenger.
would be blessing II he would con-
fne himself strictly to that business
and remain at or near the manure pile,
ETC. He insists. however, on travelling,
and thus finds his way into houses,
even those in which an honest effort
is made to keep the premises, particu-
larry the kitchen, clean, and to put
scraps, parings, ETC., into properly COW
cred cans.
The Fly Pest.
His favorite abode, when sojourning
at the house, Is the kitchen or dining
room, and his choice as to q resting
place and supply station is the food to
served He is also very fond roaming
over the face, particularly the lips. OF
. sleeping child. This desire ID
strengthened when evidences Of in
diligence in food, generally stick or
greasy in nature, are found around the
mouth.
Unless measures are taken which
win prevent his doing so, the proba-
: bility Ia that tho fly, in his journeys to
and from the house, has RECALLED him.
self upon human excreta OF waste and
that he is furnishing free Transports
ton for typhoid. dysentery, and other
disease germs which are found IN the
excreta.
Having reached the house. the dy.
regardless Of the fact that he may, for
example, be teeming with colon bacilli.
enters upon his regular routine, with
me altogether too frequent result that
there Is an outbreak Of typhoid fever.
Proper Sanitation.
On the farm it is not always posi-
BILE, however, to have an up-to-date
sanitary system It is possible, how
ever, to build or remodel privy, so
that the fly can not gain access to the
human excreta. In this way, the op-
portunity for the fly to transmit GER
tain disease germs to the food which is
to be eaten in the house, etc., is mini
mixed. 1t is imperative that such pro.
lection should be afforded, If health
is to be conserved. The question OF
the slight increase in cost, If any
should not carry weight as an objec
ton, for the reason that one outbreak
OF typhoid fever or dysentery, with
the resultant loss of time and money
will prove far more expensive. Do not
however, make the mistake so often
observed on farms, and elsewhere, oil
providing proper accommodation fol
everyone except the servants. The ny
does not differentiate when he is forag
ing, neither do the colon bacilli con
; slider social distinctions when choos
ing an abiding place. Screening the
dwelling house is important, but it is
not sufficient The privy must be san
itary and fly proof. If it Is fly proof
it is also impossible for fowls and
animals to gain access to the human
excreta.
Dry Earth Closet.
One of the best types of priyies is
the dry earth closet, in which the fresf
excreta is covered with small amour
of dry earth taken from box con
veniently placed in the building. Lime
also may be used with excellent re
suits.
) AS to the construction of the build
ing, individual tastes may govern, pro
yided the fly is kept out and the place
is kept in good order. Covers SHOULD
be provided for the openings In thu
seat when not in use. The door, ant
particularly the window, should b.
screened to keep out flies and to per
NIT the circulation of fresh air. Buck
cts or similar receptacles should be 81
placed beneath the openings as to re
ceive the excreta. The buckets shoult
be removed at intervals, cleansed ant
replaced. If it is not possible to oh
ldlu Suitable DuCACIS, WdGCA-IA6A
trough should be built with a stou
ring in the end or side and sledg'
runners under 1t. The ring and thu
sledge runners will prove to be o
great advantage when it is found nee
essary to remove the trough for empty
ing, etc. An application of lime in ant
around the trough or buckets from
time to time will improve the sanitar!
conditions. A door which will fit tigh
when closed should be placed at th'
rear or side of the building to facili
tate the removal of the buckets O.
trough. This door may be fitted will
hinges or may slide in groove. Thu
latter is probably the better. 1t ma.
be built entirely of wood. but a stou
wooden frame covered with heav!
close-meshed wire is preferable, as i
permits the free circulation of air
which tends to keep down offensive