24 



Exp. 13. An embryo of Syngamiis placed in the above solu- 

 tion was apparently unaffected at the end of twelve hours. 



Exp. 14. An embryo of Syngamiis placed in a watch glass 

 containing a mixture of water and asafoetida, many small pieces 

 of the latter being scattered over the bottom. At the end of one 

 hour it was unaffected, although almost constantly in contact 

 with the lumps of asafoetida. 



Exp. 15. An embryo of Syngamiis placed in a watch glass 

 with water, and several small pieces of an onion, making a strong 

 solution, were added to the same. At the end of six hours very 

 little abatement in the vigor of its movements was perceptible. 

 In twelve hours it still lived, but its movements were very slow. 



The result of the above experiments may be stated as follows: 

 Lime, salt, and ashes are all effective in destroying the earthworm. 

 Lime water and lye of the strength used seemed to have very 

 little effect on the embryo of Syngamiis. Doubtless, a stronger 

 solution of ashes would kill it, and it is probable that lime in 

 substance would also be effective. Salt not only destroys the 

 earthworm, but it also kills the embryo of Syngamiis. The anthel- 

 mintic power of asafoetida and the onion has disappointed us 

 much. The latter belongs to the same family (Allium), and has 

 similar properties to garlic, which has been so highly recom- 

 mended as a specific in the gapes. Ashes, lime or salt may then 

 be used. The first two can be spread over the ground. Lime, in 

 the form of lime water, is exceedingly cheap, but, exposed to the 

 air, or in the soil soon combines with carbonic acid, forming car- 

 bonate of lime, which is probably harmless to the earthworm. We 

 believe salt is more reliable, and it has also the additional ad- 

 vantage of destroying the embryo of the gape worm in the soil. 

 It can be used in poultry yards in the proportion of one pound to 

 the gallon of water, or, if the soil is very moist, two pounds would 

 be better. If a large extent of ground is to be treated, the salt 

 could be scattered in substance over the surface and left to be 

 dissolved by rain or plowed under, taking care that none of it 

 is eaten by fowls. This method has been adopted by setae with 

 success, no more gapes having developed in their chicks. All 

 poultry dying of the gapes should be burned, and not left upon 

 the ground, or even buried deep, as advised by some, for the eggs 

 may hatch, and the embryos be taken by the earthworm to the 

 surface to propagate the disease. 



