SERVICE AND UTILITY OF FLIES 



81: 



_ 



human surroundings, they can increase more rapidly. 

 By rearing a number of broods, each in a separate 

 vessel, and by hastening the development and propaga- 

 tion of some broods more than others, meal-worms 

 may be obtained fresh throughout the year ; the amount 

 of trouble and attention required is accordingly great. 



The artificial rearing of gentles is easy, rapid, and 

 cheap. Generally it is not well or methodically 

 managed, and consequently it is then a horribly mal- 

 odorous nuisance. However, with proper care the 

 process can be managed without offensiveness, and it 

 will immensely repay all trouble. 



A more restricted variety of birds relish gentles, but 

 no insect food is more wholesome for any of the 

 galinaceous tribe. 



A spot in the open air, preferably 

 sheltered from the north or east wind 

 and from mid-day sun, should be 

 chosen. There an inverted earthen- 

 ware sea-kale pot or a similar vessel 

 should be fixed on a stand or table 

 twenty inches high from the ground ; 

 the table should have a central hole 

 corresponding to that in the sea-kale 

 pot. The hole in the pot should be 

 obstructed with a wire-cage strainer, or 

 a piece of perforated wood or metal, 

 above which a few sticks or a bunch 

 of straw may be placed. 



Fly-blown dead animals, fish, offal, or suitable food 

 remnants should be placed from time to time in such 

 a receptacle, which should be surmounted with a 



of gentles. 



