28o THE FARM DOCTOR. 



into its substance, as well as by the accumulation of cru.'rts on 

 the surface. In fine skins, like that of the sheep, there is a 

 distinct papular eruption, and in all there are excoriations and 

 even deep sores and ulcers from the incessant and desperate 

 rubbing. The bare patches are less absolutely so than in ring- 

 worm, for hairs still adhere at intervals, and though the hairs 

 may be broken they show less brittleness or tendency to split 

 up. But the one reliable sign is the presence of the acanis, 

 which may often be recognised by the naked eye when a little 

 of the scurf is placed on a plate of glass and closely watched. 

 The scabs will be seen to move, and a little observation will 

 enable one to detect the almost invisible insect. A low magni- 

 fying power is a great help. To find the saixoptes it may be 

 necessary to expose the skin to the warm rays of the sun, to 

 detach a crust and tie it for twelve hours on the skin of the 

 arm, when the acarus will be found in the centre of a pale red 

 papule and may be removed with a needle. 



The (icrmanyssits may not be found on the skin unless the 

 subject is examined in the stable at night. They are large and 

 easily detected when bright crimson, from being gorged with 

 blood. There is always the suspicious proximity of chickens 

 or their dung, the latter swarming with gray acari. 



The deniodex living in the hair follicles of dogs, causes loss 

 of hair and prominent red nodules {acne), while the sebaceous 

 matter squeezed from the follicles contain specimens of the 

 acarus. 



The sarcoptcs of chickens attack the comb, wattles, and 

 feet, causing great irritation. 



Treatment io local, though nourishing food, cool clear air, 

 clean dry buildings, and the avoidance of crowding or exertion 

 are important auxiliaries. By soap-suds, preceded if necessary 

 by oil, break up and remove the scabs and crusts ; then apply 

 thoroughly with a bru^h, oil of iar i oz., whale-oil 23 ozs , or 

 o lb. each of tar and sulphur, and i lb. each of soap and 



