Maltlophaga of Our Native Birds. 121 
only a single louse remains (a fertile female) to propogate and continue 
the species. So. hand picking, however tedious it may be, is the best and 
surest way. If the bird is overrun with the lice a rapid way may be em- 
ployed by wrapping the bird in a white cloth, moist with kerosene. Accord- 
ing to Dr. H. E. Enders this method is excellent. In the case of animals, if 
the infestation is great they may be combed out. only the loss of legs of the 
lice may result. So even if hand picking is tedious, nevertheless, it is the 
best method. 
The regions on the bird in which the lice are found are definite and have 
some significance attached to them. For instance, a very rapid running 
louse like Menopon or Colpocephalum will be found in the anal regions or 
on the back. But such a slow one as a Docophorus will be limited to the 
head or neck entirely. ‘There are reasons for this orientation. The bird 
ean not easily seratch off a heavy-jawed and heavy-clawed Docophorus 
from the neck region, nor will a limited amount of dusting do much good 
in that region. So also will a Colpocephalum escape if the bird attempts 
to catch it with its bill in a dorsal, anal, or abdominal region. It escapes 
by running, for which it is adapted extraordinarily. It is therefore nec- 
essary that definite regions be examined and their distinct species noted. 
In my observations I have found Nirmus 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. Colpocephalum 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 region. However, in the 
latter case the louse may have migrated. as the louse was not found for one 
hour after the bird had been killed. Colpocephalum is also associated with 
the rump region. Lipeurus quite often is found among the wing and tail 
feathers. Trinoton, which is very agile and strong of foot infests the back. 
Whether these observations correspond with those of others, I do not know, 
for none are recorded. 
In collecting lice in the field the usual method employed to preserve them 
is that of placing them in 75 or SO 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. Lice may also be 
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 
preserved by the above named methods can be put through a technique 
which will yield beautiful preparations. 
If it is possible to collect the insects alive, they may be placed in hot 
water—yvery nearly boiling. This will have a two-fold effect. When thrown 
into the water they will float, consequently their legs will be extended very 
nicely. In this condition they will be killed by the hot water. In subse- 
quent dehydration, from 70 per cent alcohol through SO and 95 per cent 
aleohol the extended condition of the legs will be practically unchanged, 
fur they will haye become sufliciently hardened in 70 per cent alcohol. 
From 95 per cent alcohol we transfer them to absolute alcohol. The usual 
method following this is xylol and balsam, for the permanent mounts. This 
