4 FARMERS’ BULLETIN 627. 
of the United States Department of Agriculture under a moist sec- 
tion of a log, differed from the older forms chiefly m possessing fewer 
legs. Its characteristics are indicated in figure 2. A very interesting 
feature of this specimen is that the terminal segment of the body 
contains the long posterior legs folded up within it as indicated at 
figure 2, c. They are doubtless berated at the next moltmg. In 
the half-grown and later stages this centipede does not differ mate- 
rially from the adult, except in size, and its habits throughout life 
are probably subject to little variation. 
REMEDIES. 
If it were not for its uncanny appearance, which is hardly calculated 
to inspire confidence, especially when it is darting at one with great 
Fig. 2.—The house centipede: a. Newly hatched individual; b, one of legs of same; c, terminal segment 
of body showing undeveloped legs coiled up within. All enlarged. (Author’s illustration.) 
speed, and the rather poisonous nature of its bite, it would not neces- 
sarily be an unwelcome visitor in houses, but, on the contrary, might 
be looked upon rather as an aid in keeping in check various household 
pests. Its appearance in dwellings, however, will not often be 
welcomed notwithstanding its useful réle. It can be best controlled 
by promptly destroying all the individuals which make their appear- 
ance, and by keeping the moist places in houses free from any object 
behind which it can conceal itself, or at least subjecting such locations 
to frequent inspection. In places near water pipes, or in storerooms 
where it may secrete itself and occur in some numbers, a free use of 
fresh pyrethrum powder is to be advised. 
WASHINGTON :; GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICH: 1914 
