owdered earth, with a small shovel by which a sufficient quantity of the
dust to cover the deposit is thrown into the pail after each evacuation.
It is remarkable how completely this shovelful of earth or ashes destroys
all disagreeable smell. The privy should be provided with at least two
opposite windows, both of which should be thoroughly screened. The
entrance should have a door that is closed with a spring, so that it
cannot be carelessly or accidentally left open when vacant. At intervals
the pails containing the feces are removed, and the contents are carried
to a distance and buried.

Another plan that is quite satisfactory where iron pails are used, is to
place a quantity of water in the vessels for receiving the feces, and
then to pour in a small quantity of kerosene; the latter substance forms
a layer over the water that keeps out flies, and does away largely with
the disagreeable odors that are likely to emanate.

If any contagious disease exists among those who use such a closet, the
fecal material should be carefully sterilized before being removed, as
by means of corrosive sublimate, carbolic acid, chlorinated lime, or any
one of the many commercial disinfectants containing crysylic acid, all of
which may be obtained at any drug store. If carbolic acid or other liquid
antiseptics be used the amount by volume should be equal to about five
per cent. of the material to be treated; the proportion of corrosive
sublimate should be at least 1 to 1,000 where this disinfectant is used.
Along with whatever antiseptic is chosen, water should be added in
sufficient quantity to permit the whole to be rendered semi-fluid, and
the mixture should then be thoroughly stirred, and the chemical left to
act for some hours before emptying the receptacle. By far the most
satisfactory method of sterilizing infected material, however, is by
boiling, since disease-germs are killed by such a temperature in a few
moments. Where iron receptacles are used, therefore, the simplest method
is to set them upon an open fire in the yard for a little while.

A privy constructed after the manner just described possesses some
advantages even over the regulation water-closets that are used in
cities, since they are cheaper in original cost, require less repairs,
and are uninjured by a freezing temperature. The amount of care required
to keep them in proper condition is not excessive, and they are so
infinitely superior from a hygienic standpoi