The fly first appeared in the vicinity of Philadelphia, probably 

 introduced on cattle imported either in 1886 or 1887. It was 

 known and described as far back as 1830 as a native of the 

 countries bordering on the Mediterranean Sea. The fly is about 

 one-sixth of an inch in length, of a dark ash-gray color, with a 

 faint yellowish tinge. Its head is almost entirely taken up by the 

 eyes, which are dark red-brown. The legs are moderately long, 

 blackish, the knee joints marked with reddish, the whole quite 

 densely set with stiff blackish hair. It seems to be confined to 

 horned cattle, worrying them both night and day, whether in the 

 stable or in the field. It breeds most freely in early summer, 

 being most numerous in June and July. In biting the fly buries 

 itself among the hair, spreading out its wings at the same time. 

 Early in the season it evinces a special fondness for the horn, 

 clustering there in great numbers and biting preferably around the 

 root. Later in the season it seems less confined to the head, but 

 covers the region back of the shoulder blades and at the root of 

 the tail, and, in fact, attacks every part of the body. 



The egg is laid in fresh cow droppings, and from this egg 

 hatches a little white, footless grub. The larvjB are dependent 

 for nourishment upon a soft, partly liquid substance, and if they 

 be deprived of that they perish. By sending a boy over the past- 

 ure every other day with a shovel, and instructions to thoroughly 

 spread out all cow droppings, all eggs and larvae would be de- 

 stroyed. A sprinkling of lime would answer the same purpose, 

 but is more expensive. The whole life cycle from egg to perfect 

 insect is from twelve to fifteen days. Among the destructive 

 agents for the perfect insect tobacco powder is the best. It should 

 be dusted on the cattle among the hair where the flies most usually 

 congregate. For protection from the attack of the fly apply car- 

 bolated fish oil to those parts of the body where the powder could 

 not well be used, and then sift X. 0. Dust, or some other tobacco 

 powder, in the hair where it will lodge. Pyrethrum or insect 

 powder may be used, but is not so highly recommended. 



Where cows are kept in the stable at night, liberal use of plaster 

 or other absorbent should be made to the manure heap and in the 

 stable, and freely mixed with the droppings, to absorb the moisture 

 and deprive the larvse of food. Cleanliness in the stable is of 

 course essential. 



Professor Smith writes this office, under date of August 

 20, that the insect has extended northward into Canada, 

 south to Florida and west to Ohio. 



