THE HONEY BEE 371 



killed, but probably some maggots pass the winter underground and in 

 stables where it is sufficiently warm, coming forth in the spring when 

 the weather warms up. 



It has often been assumed that burying debris of various kinds would 

 kill the maggots. This is not true, as the maggots have crawled up 

 through six feet of earth, with which they were covered. 



The best method of handling debris, such as manure, is to spread it 

 on the land daily. This is especially valuable, as manure loses almost 

 half its fertilizing power if stored. The sun will dry it and this will also 

 prevent the moisture which maggots need in order to thrive. However, 

 if this cannot be done, then a solution of iron sulphate (copperas), two 

 pounds to the gallon of water, may be thrown over such matter. Chloride 

 of lime is expensive and the fumes (chlorine) are likely to injure the farm 

 animals. 



FLY KILLERS 



The Kansas Board of Health Bulletin gives the following methods 

 of killing flies : 



"A cheap and perfectly reliable fly poison, one which is not danger- 

 ous to human life, is bichromate of potash in solution. Dissolve one 

 dram, which can be bought at any drug store, in two ounces of water, 

 and add a little sugar. Put some of this solution in shallow dishes and 

 distribute them about the house." 



"One of the best fly killers that can be used in the home is a tea- 

 spoonful of formalin in a quarter of a pint of water. When this is ex- 

 posed in a room it will be sufficient to kill all flies. They seem to be fond 

 of the water. Care should be taken to place it beyond the reach of chil- 

 dren." 



"To quickly clean a room where there are many flies, burn pyreth- 

 rum powder. This stupefies the flies, when they may be swept up and 

 burned." 



And the Agricultural Extension Department of the International 

 Harvester Company suggests the following ointments and sprays to keep 

 flies away from cattle : 



(Any of the following must be applied frequently, as few will keep 

 flies away for more than a day or two following their application.) 



One pound rancid lard, ^ pint kerosene. 



Mix until a creamy mass forms. Best applied with cloth or with bare 

 hand. Rub thinly over the backs of the cows. 



Three parts fish oil, one part kerosene. Apply with small spray 

 pump. . '"" 



Two parts crude cottonseed oil or fish oil, one pint pine tar. Apply 

 with large paint brush. 



