13 



have been so seriously affected that large numbers of the affected birds 

 were entirely lost through illness. 



The investigation, in this particular alone, discloses a very deplorable 

 condition of affairs, and points to the imperative need of giving these 

 farmers such education and instruction as will enable them not only to 

 diagnose the important diseases but to treat them intelligently. 



Insect Pests. 



Body Lice. — It is generally admitted to be a most difficult matter to 

 keep a flock of adult fowl absolutely free from body lice, but given a fair 

 chance, hens in good health will keep them sufficiently under control to 

 prevent causing any serious trouble. There are several different species 

 of lice that infest hens. Of these two are very common and are generally 

 known as body lice. The species, Menopon pallidum, is probably the 

 most common, and it is a rare thing to find a farm flock which is not 

 seriously troubled with this pest. They are exceedingly active and may 

 be found on all parts of the body. They often crawl on the hands when 

 handling or plucking fowl. Another important species, Menopon biseri- 

 atum, is found confined to special regions of the body. Although capable 

 of crawling, it is usual for them to remain stationary, sometimes with 

 the head buried in the skin and the body erect. Body lice breed and spend 

 their life on the body of the fowl. The eggs or nits are laid upon the 

 down feathers about the vent and can often be found there, hanging in 

 clusters. It is estimated that the second generation from a single louse 

 may number 2,500, and a third generation 125,000, and that all of these 

 may be produced within eight weeks. Thus it is that a flock considered 

 to be quite free from lice, is often found to be infested after being 

 neglected for only a few weeks. Exercise, proper feeding, and pure air', 

 all help to keep the birds in a condition unfavorable to the existence of' 

 lice. Good sanitation is imperative. It is necessary to provide sunny, ' 

 well-ventilated houses, in which there is no dampness and no accumula-' '! 

 tion of droppings. A suitable dust bath should be provided and placed ' 

 in a sunny part of the house. In this box, earth, or sandy loam should ■ 

 be placed, rather than coal ashes, as the earth is beneficial to the skin of 

 the birds in addition to ridding them of lice. A few handfuls of powdered 

 sulphur will add to the effectiveness of the dust bath. All flocks should be 

 carefully watched and frequently examined for lice, particularly young 

 stock, so much of which is ruined by lice and mites. 



Red Mites. — The so-called red mite is undoubtedly the most virulent 

 and aggressive enemy of the farm flock. The natural color of the insect 

 is grey. It is only when gorged with blood, like the musquito, that it 

 becomes red. 



Few farmers appear to realize the enormity of the ravages of these 

 mites, and, having no knowledge of their life history or habits, they are , 

 ignorant of the best methods of eradication. Instances of broody hens 

 leaving the nest due to mites are common. The investigators have fre- 



