A SELF-SUPPORTING HOME 



has not been in use through a winter is freed 

 from vermin. It is an authenticated fact 

 that two years' starvation has as little effect 

 on these horrid little wretches as the most 

 severe frost. They just sleep through un- 

 comfortable times, and awake refreshed and 

 eager for prey. 



Another unsuspected menace to poultry 

 is the harvest mite, or jigger. These insects 

 normally feed on plants, abounding in black- 

 berry patches and tall weeds; but, swept 

 off by passing birds, animals, or even humans, 

 some species immediately bury themselves 

 in the skin of the unfortunate victim. This 

 is fatal to the insect, but raises a large 

 blister which itches intolerably, often caus- 

 ing inflamed patches sometimes mistaken for 

 chicken-pox. I once had a small dog driven 

 nearly crazy by them. Vinegar, or carbolic 

 acid and water, will stop the itching and 

 remove the inflammation. It is safest to have 

 hens avoid any infested place, or if you live 

 in the Southern states, where they are most 

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