M(ill(>/)li<i;i<i of Our \iillrr liirds. IL'I 



only a siiiiilc loiisc rrinaiiis (a fcililc fcnialcl Id propo-a !<• and (•(.ntimn" 

 I lie species. So. hand pickinix. liowcNcr tedious 11 nia.\- he. is liie hesl and 

 surest way. If tlie i)ir(l is <iveiTnn with the lice a i-ajiid way may l)e em- 

 ployed by wiaiipiii.i:- tlie hird in a white ( lolli. nioisl with l<er(isene. Aceord- 

 inS ((I Dr. II. I-:. lOnders lliis nietliod is exci-llenl. In tlie case of animals, if 

 the infestation is ureal lliey may h(> condied out. oidy the loss of lofis of the 

 lice may result. So even if hand picUini;- is tedious, nevertheless, it is the 

 liest method. 



The regions on the hinl in wliich the lice ai'e found are detinite and lunc 

 some significance attached to them. For instance, a very rai>id running 

 louse like Menopon or < 'ol])ncephalnni will he found in the anal regions or 

 .>n the back, lint sncli a slow one as a 1 >oco|di(U-us will he liniiteii lo the 

 head or neck entirely. There are reasons t"or Ihis (uienlalion. 'I'lie hird 

 can not easily scratch off a heavy-.jaweil and heavy-clawed Kocoiihorus 

 from the neck region. n()r will a limiled ainounl id" dusting do much good 

 in that region. So also will a ('oliioce|ihaluni (■■-(•ape if the hird attempts 

 to catch it with its hill in a <h)rsal. anal. (<r alxlonunal i-egion. It o.scapes 

 hy running, for which it is achipted extraordinarily. It is therefore nec- 

 essary that definite regions he examined and their distinct species noted. 



In my observations I have found Xirnuis associated with the breast region 

 as in the American Robin: likewise in the Purple Grackle, Docophorus. no 

 matter what species, is always restricted to the upper part of the neck 

 and head, roliwcephalum may be found on the back of the bird, or in the 

 anal regions. Physostomum of the kingbird. I found in the rump region 

 and in the Eastern Vesper Sparrow in the nape i-e.gion. However, in the 

 latter case the louse may have migrated, as the louse was not found f<u- one 

 hour after the bird had been killed. Colpoceidialum is also associated with 

 ' he runii> region. Lipeurus quite often is found among the wing and tail 

 leathers. Trinoton. which is very agile and strong of foot infests the back. 

 Whether these obseiwations correspond with those of others. I do not know. 

 for none are recorded. 



In collecting lice in the lield the usual method employed to preserve them 

 is that of placing them in 75 or 80 per cent alcohol. There is slight .shrink- 

 age due to hardening effects of the alcohol, but insufficient to cause any 

 serious damage or to interfere with subsequent study. I.ice may also bo 

 preserved in a solution of chloral hydrate which will keep them quite soft. 

 From much material one is enabled to make satisfactory studies. Other 

 methods more exacting can be employed if facilities allow. Lice that are 

 lire.served by the above named methods can he i>ut through a technique 

 which will yield beautiful preparations. 



If it is possible to collect the insects alive. tlie.\- may he placed in hot 

 water — very nearly boilin.g. This will ha\(> a two-fold elfect. When thrown 

 into the water they will tloat. consequently their legs will be extended very 

 nicely. In this condition they will be killed by the hot water. In subse- 

 (luent dehydration, from 70 i>er cent alcohol through 80 and 95 per cent 

 alcohol the extended condition of the legs will be practically unchanged. 

 f(.i- they will have become suthciently hardened in 70 per cent alcohol. 

 From ur, per cent alcohol we transfer them to absolute alcohol. The usual 

 method following this is xylol and balsam, for the permanent mounts. This 



