52 THE HOUSE FLY 



The definition of sin is the commission of an act we 

 know to be wrong. If we stood by and saw men being 

 deliberately and wantonly done to death, and made no 

 attempt to save them, we would indeed be made of poor 

 stuff. Yet we stand by and indifferently watch the House 

 Fly infecting men, women, and children with the virus of 

 deadly diseases. 



Knowledge brings many responsibilities, and it is as 

 well not to forget the fact. The sins of omission are fre- 

 quently more hurtful to ourselves and others than the 

 sins of commission. 



To fight the House Fly in cities and towns it is essential 

 for the governing bodies to take the lead. The intelligent 

 co-operation of the public is necessary, however. When 

 the people are alive to the danger of the House Fly in 

 their midst, there is no difficulty in getting them to co- 

 operate in a whole-hearted and thorough way. 



In starting a fly campaign it is always advisable first 

 to educate public opinion on the habits and disease-carrying 

 powers of the House Fly, otherwise there will be both 

 indifference and active opposition. 



An effective way of doing this is through the columns of 

 the local press, suitable bioscope films, and the placarding of 

 the town with illustrated posters, and cards such as the 

 following, which was issued by the State Board of Health 

 of Florida : 



THE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH OF FLORIDA 



Asks you to carefully and attentively read this card : 

 then put the question directly to yourself whether flies 



