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because if we simply destroy those 

 that ane on the bird they will retiini 

 aj^ain from the surroundings just as 

 lleas do. In treating an animal lor 

 the purpose of destroying lice two 

 metliods may be employed. We may 

 use substances that will poison the 

 lice outright or we niay use sub- 

 stances that are not poisonous in 

 themselves but which destroy lice by 

 obstructing the jiores on the surface 

 of the insect and thus shutting off its 

 supply oif air and suffocating it. The 

 latter plan is pieferable in the case 

 of young and weak birds. Little chick- 

 ens but a few days old frequ.Mitly ^"^ ^^^°g^f '^'"'^^ 

 accpiire lice from their mothers or L'pcurmvm-iabiUs, 

 their surroundings and are sometimes annoyed ser- 

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

 a siuiall quantity of bland oil, such as sweet oil or cot- 

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

 sides of the neck if the i)arasites are very numerous, or 

 lard maj be used for the same puri)ose. In the case of 

 older fowls sulphur ointment is a very efflcient remedy. 

 It should be applied in small quantity about the head, 

 sides of the neck, beneath the wings and around 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 apjjlied it is well to first dampen the 

 feathers so tiiat ii will not be at once sliaken oft\ 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 x^O'Wder oi' sulphur to tlie dust. 



