7. Evolution of poisonous gases is greatly increased by the action of moisture, or of moist air, under the influence of which phosphoretted hydrogen is generated from calcium phosphide, which, in turn, is formed, in large part, at any rate, from the calcium phosphate present in anthracite and quartz, at the high temperature of the electric furnace. If spontaneous disintegration of the alloy also occurs, much larger quantities of gas would be given off from such friable and unstable material, other conditions being equal. The greater or less tendency of a given sample to evolve poisonous gases, and even a rough estimate of their probable amount may be arrived at by the use of test-papers prepared with silver nitrate. 8. There is no evidence that low-grade ferro-silicon (10 to 15 per cent.), produced in the blast-furnace, has ever given rise to accidents of similar character to those known to have been caused by the high-grade electrically produced alloy. Blast-furnace ferro-silicon does not evolve poisonous gases even in presence of moisture. 9. As regards ferro-silicon produced in the electric furnace, the evidence available goes to show that certain percentage grades are practically quite innocuous. This statement applies to grades of alloy of a silicon content up to and including 30 per cent., and probably also, though in considerably less degree, to those of 70 per cent. and over. 10. In view of the fact that the use of ferro-silicon of grades ranging between 30 per cent. and 70 per cent. apparently is not essential in metallurgical operations, with the possible exception of basic steel manufacture, it will be advisable that the production of this alloy of grades ranging between these percentages should be discontinued in the future. 11. The proprietors of iron and steel works making use of ferro-silicon will assist in the protection of their workpeople, and at the same time act for the public benefit by restricting their orders to grades of this material, either not exceeding 30 per cent., or of 70 per cent. and upwards, according to the special nature of their requirements. 12. But as, pending international agreement on the question, intermediate percentages of ferro-silicon will doubtless continue to be manufactured and sold, the issue, by the Board of Trade, of special regulations will be necessary in order to obviate, so far as may be possible, chance of further accidents during the transport of this substance. _Inter alia_, these regulations should require a declaration of the nature, percentage, date of manufacture, and place of origin of any such consignment. The suggested regulations are printed on p. 291.] ZINC