166 



to use than the others, especially as regards disposal of residues. Its 

 volatile nature permits of rapid airing, so that the total time required 

 for all fumigation operations is shorter than with the other two 

 gases. As regards cost no reliable estimate can be made until the 

 present monopoly prices are done away with in Germany. 



Lange ( — ). Versiiche iiber die Verwendbarkeit des Holzessigs als 

 Ersatz fur den Sabadillaessig bei der Lausebekampfung. [Experi- 

 ments on the Use of Wood Vinegar as a Substitute for Saba- 

 dilla Vinegar in combating Lice.] — Arb. Reichsgesundheitsamt, 

 Berlin, xcii, no. 3. (Abstract in Der Praktisc/ie Desinfekior, 

 Dresden, xiii, no. 5, Mav 1921, pp. 38-39.) [Received 5th August 

 1921.] 



Both wood vinegar and sabadilla vinegar have about the same content 

 of acetic acid. In the former the action of the acid is supplemented by 

 that of other distillation products, especially by that of tar constituents 

 (perhaps also methyl alcohol or acetone). In sabadilla vinegar an 

 almost specific action is ensured by its alkaloids. The action of the 

 two vinegars is therefore different, but the dissimilarity (consisting 

 in a greater toxicity of sabadilla) is limited to a short period of action 

 quite inadequate in practice. If the period is such as obtains in 

 ordinary practical work, both vinegars produce the same satisfactory 

 final result, and as wood vinegar has been found to have no irritant 

 effect on the skin, it provides a good substitute for sabadilla vinegar 

 in the destruction of lice and their eggs. 



DiFFLOTH (P.). La Mouche des Etables. [Stomoxys calcitrans.] — 

 La Vie Agric. & Riir., Paris, xix, no. 32, 6th August 1921, 

 pp. 101-104, 3 figs. 



In moist seasons, generally during August and September, consider- 

 able harm is done to horses and cattle by the attacks of the stable-fly, 

 Stomoxys calcitrans. The life-history of the fly and its habits are 

 described. Natural enemies include poultry, Carabids, wasps, spiders, 

 and the parasitic Hymenopteron, Spalangia mitscidarum. 



Various remedies against the fly are suggested. One of the best 

 dressings for animals consists of 1 gal. fish oil, ^ lb. coal-tar oil and 1 pint 

 of kerosene ; but it is preferable to protect the animal by means of a 

 cloth covering. The mane and tail, which are a horse's natural means 

 of defence, should not be cut. It is advisable to screen all doors and 

 windows of stables with fine wire gauze, and animals should be brushed 

 down before l)eing returned to the stable. Sheep and pigs are not so 

 severely attacked, and can easily keep themselves free from the flies 

 if provided with a slope or trench, which is more efficacious if sprinkled 

 with parafiin. Two furrows of a plough are quite sufficient. 



A trap for the flies consists of a wooden frame exactly fitting the only 

 opening in a stable, preferably on the sunny side. There is a slit 

 about half an inch wide and occup\dng the whole width of the frame at 

 its base. Flies entering this opening find themseh'es under a fine mesh 

 net at an acute angle and having in its upper part holes large enough 

 for them to pass through. This arrangement can be repeated several 

 times, so that the flies pass to various levels and in all directions. 

 If a bait be put into the trap it will also attract the house-fly [Musca 

 domestica], but for 5. calcitrans the odour of the animals is sufficient. 



