FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 445 



mciit or the kerosene wash would rid larger animals if attacked by these lili- 

 putian pests. Other species attack turkeys, pigeons, and even tlio cage birds 

 of our houses. 



The mange in horses is only another term for itch. It is caused by a small but 

 visible mite, the Dermatophagus equi, which often swarms on horses. The D. 

 ovis causes the scab in sheep, while the D. bovis affects in like way our cattle. 



KEMEDIES. 



I have already given the cure recommended by Prof. Law for these pests. I 

 presume the kerosene-wash, made quite weak, would also be effectual. Tlie 

 ointment made of kerosene and sulphur would certainly be a good remedy. 



The itch mite, Sarcoptes scabei (Latr,) is so small as to be almost microsco- 

 pic. It lives, feeds and reproduces its kind in small, subcutaneous galleries 

 which its own feasting produces. As a consequence of the intolerable itching 

 and the incessant irritation, disgusting pustules are formed, which are not 

 things of beauty or joys forever. 



A still smaller mite, the face mite, Demodex foUiculorum (Owen,) lives in 

 the pimples or diseased follicles about the chin and nose of the human face. 



For all the parasites I have referred to. Prof. Verrill recommends a solution 

 of sulphuret of potassium, two to four ounces to the gallon of cold water, varied 

 to suit the character of the skin of the animal to be treated. 



THE IMPROVEMENT OF GRAINS, FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES. 

 BY PROF. W. J. BEAL, OF THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, LANSING, MICH. 



[Read at Charlotte and Flint Institutes.] 



The art of improving cultivated plants is very old, extending back two thou- 

 sand, and perhaps three or four thousand years. The importance of planting 

 good seed looks reasonable to every one. There is no good farmer of modern 

 times who does not pay considerable attention to this subject, yet I hope to 

 show tliat it deserves more attention than it usually receives, and to substan- 

 tiate this assertion by presenting the results of many experiments made in 

 Europe and in this country, and to add items of no insignificant importance 

 taken from the experiments made at the Agricultural College. The subject is 

 a difficult one to make popular, and it is too extensive to be well considered in 

 the time at my command, but I hope for your kind attention, believing that 

 most will be able to glean something new which will hereafter be of practical 

 value. 



The successful breeder of improved live stock gives careful attention to the 

 selection of the parents for making his crosses. He does not neglect the mat- 

 ter of age, good condition, freedom from disease, food, drink, shelter, air, 

 light, temperature and exercise. 



In a manner very similar, the person M'ho wishes to improve his plants must 

 select with judgment. The parents must be healthy. Care must be taken to 

 duly regulate their food, i. e., the soil, air, moisture, light, heat and cultivation. 



