l>ecause if we simply destroy those 

 that are on the bird they will return 

 again from the surroundings just as 

 rieas do. In treating: an animal for 

 the purpose of destroying lice two 

 methods may be employed. We may 

 use substances that will poison the 

 lice outright or we may use sub- 

 stances that are not poisonous in 

 themselves but which desti-oy lice by 

 obstructing the pores on the surface 

 of the insect and thus shutting off its 

 supply of air and suffociiring it. The 

 latter plan is pivferable in the case 

 of young and weak birds. Little chick- 

 ens bnt a few days old frequently ^"^ ^^S^^*^^^ 



their surroundings and are sometimes annoyed ser 

 iously by them. In these crises it is advisable to apply 

 a small quantity of bland oil. such as sweet oil or cot- 

 ton-seed oiJ, to the chicken's head and perhaps to the 

 sides of the neck if the para.sites are very numerous, or 

 lard may be used for the same purpose. In the case of 

 older fowls sulphur ointment is a very efficient remedy. 

 It should be applied in small quantity about the head, 

 sides of the neck, beneath the wings and arotmd the 

 vent. Or insect powder (pyrethrum) may be blown be- 

 tweent the feathers and this will destroy or drive away 

 the lice. If the fowl is to be liberated immediately af- 

 ter the powder is applied it is well to first dampen the 

 feathers so that it will not be at once shaken off. A 

 dust bath should always be provided, and this goes a 

 very long way toward keeping fowls free from all sorts 

 of skin parasites. It is frequently advisable to add in- 

 sect powder or sulphur to the dust. 



