254 JOURNAL OP THE TRINIDAD 



necessary. The effects of a thorough cleansing pass off after a 

 few days in fine weather and more rapidly during the rains. The 

 animal will then be open to the attack of a new set of ticks. 



Liquids of an oily nature are as we have already seen, of them- 

 selves objectionable to ticks. They will also remain upon the skin 

 a much longer time, and thus extend the period of immunity for 

 the animal. 



Several drenchings during the season will probably be 

 sufficient to keep all vermin at a distance. 



There are man}' forms of emulsions — an intimate mixture 

 of oil, soap and water, forming a froth — which can be recom- 

 mended with confidence. Their preparation is a little troublesome 

 perhaps, but it is well within the reach of any intelligent labourer, 

 and once mastered becomes merely a matter of routine. Much 

 of the success of the preparations depends upon whether 

 there is a proper froth and this is simply dependent on sufficient 

 churning or " swizzling," 



First and foremost is the Kerosine Emulsion which has 

 been found so effective for the destruction of scale insects in 

 plants, and is every day more and more applied for freeing plants 

 and animals of other parasites. 



The following is a well recognised formula for ticks : — 

 In 2 quarts of boiling water dissolve £ lb of soap : remove from 

 fire : immediately add 1 pint of kerosine and agitate. In 

 from three to five minutes the liquid becomes creamy. It 

 may be stored in this form in bottles or barrels. For use add 

 three of water to one of the emulsion, mix thoroughl}' and apply 

 with a spraying pump. 



Another form among many emulsions is made with Fish-oil. 

 This is recommended after many trials by the Louisiana Experi- 

 ment Station. Of six liquids, among which was Jej-e's fluid, 

 kerosine and fish-oil emulsion were found to be the only effective 

 ones for the season. The trials were for freeing the cattle from 

 the attack of " horn fly." Fish-oil emulsion was found to keep 

 the cattle longer free from annoyance, by the flies, probably 

 because it evaporated or was washed off less readily. The 

 mixture may be made in the same proportions as the kerosine 

 emulsion with the substitution of fish-oil for the kerosine. 



These are a few of the many remedies suggested, after 

 careful study and experiment in countries where stock are a 

 matter of primary importance. 



Before leaving this class of remedies for ticks it may be of 

 service to refer to the appropriate Treatment of Horses. Greater 

 care will be needed because of the sensitiveness of the animals; 

 but as the horses are more frequently handled than cattle, this 

 will not be a matter of much difficulty, 



