be a distinct species. Pigeons, therefore, do not spread the chicken 

 mite, as was formerly supposed by many people. 



The loss caused by the chicken mite is, of course, variable, accord- 

 ing to the amount of infestation. Some writers consider this mite 

 the most serious enemy of poultry, while others think it of secondary 

 rank. In any case, it is a pest of such importance as to warrant the 

 strictest measures of repression. 



REMEDIES AND PREVENTIVES. 



Cleanliness and sunlight are the best means of preventing an 

 abundance of mites. A chicken house can not be kept too clean. It 

 should be cleaned out every few weeks, at least, and it is a great 

 advantage to have the nests and roosts so built that they can be 

 removed and washed in some cleansing liquid. 



A treatment much in favor is that of whitewashing the inside of 

 the house. If this is done, about 4 ounces of crude carbolic acid 

 should be added to each gallon of whitewash. Like all other treat- 

 ments, this should be repeated in three or four days, to destroy the 

 young which have hatched since the first application. 



In cleaning the henhouse it is useful also to scatter a mixture of 

 3 parts of dry air-slaked lime and 1 part of sulphur. The doors and 

 windows should be closed and the mixture thrown up to the roof till 

 the air is filled with it. It will then settle upon everything, the 

 sulphur killing many mites and the lime aiding in drying the dro.p- 

 pings. Setting hens need not be disturbed. 



But the best remedy against the " chicken mite '' is to spray with 

 kerosene emulsion. To make this, shave one-half pound of hard 

 soap into 1 gallon of soft water and boil the mixture until Tlie soap 

 is dissolved. Then remove it to a safe distance from the fire and stir 

 into it at once, while still hot, 2 gallons of kerosene or coal oil. The 

 result is a thick, creamy emulsion. Dilute this stock mixture with 

 10 parts of soft water, and apply as a spray or with a brush, being 

 careful to work it into all cracks, crevices, and joints of the building. 

 Two or three applications on the same day are necessary to obtain 

 the best results, and this treatment should be repeated in three or 

 four days to kill the young mites which will have hatched since 

 the first application. * 



OTHER MITES OX POULTRY. 



Although the species mentioned, Dermani/ssus galUna/ Redi, is by 

 far the most injurious, yet there are several other mites that attack 

 poultry. The " itch mite " of fowls {Cnemidocoptes mutans Robin) is 

 the cause of " scaly-leg." It does not, however, confine itself to the 



[Cir. 92] 



