THE BLOW-FLY OR MEAT-FLY 335 



or ten days. Crude oil warmed to about blood heat and rubbed 

 along the back, between the legs, and around the tail, neck and 

 head, is also advised. Stables should be whitewashed. Animals 

 may be clipped and then washed with sheep dip. 



Black Flies, or Buffalo Gnats. These minute flies, belonging 

 to the family Simulidce, are always more or less troublesome to 

 stock in certain localities, and when found in great numbers cause 

 much loss. In 1884, in Franklin Parish, Louisiana, they killed 

 three hundred head of stock in a week. Horses, mules, cattle, 

 sheep, hogs, and poultry are sufferers. Only the females bite, 

 but many of us can bear witness that each female can do enough 

 mischief for two. They are attracted to stock from long distances. 



Control. Animals which have not shed their winter coats 

 suffer more than, those whose skin is smooth, since the flies can 

 apparently get a better hold where long hair is present. Horses 

 clipped in the early spring, therefore, would not suffer as much as 

 the undipped animals. Horses and cattle in darkened stables 

 are not attacked. Where a preventive is called for, use fish oil, 

 or fish oil with a little kerosene added. Mix one part of kerosene 

 to three parts of fish oil. Apply twice a day or oftener. This 

 would be of benefit to a working team. (See page 310 for further 

 discussion, and see figure 318.) 



The Green-bottle Fly. Flies of this species (Lucilia cornidna 

 Fab.) lay eggs on dung in pastures. Occasionally they lay their eggs 

 in the dung which sometimes sticks to the rumps of lambs when 

 loosening food has been eaten, if the tails have not been docked. 



The maggots from these eggs work in the dung and attack 

 the tender skin and flesh, causing festering sores, and frequently 

 the death of a lamb. 



Anything which will keep those parts clean is the manifest 

 treatment. Practice early docking. Care as regards diet is espe- 

 cially necessary. 



The Blow-Fly or Meat-Fly is a large, blackish fly with bluish 

 abdomen. It belongs to the species Calliphora vomitoria Linn. 

 When cabbage or cauliflower and corned beef are being cooked 

 these flies in large numbers come about the kitchen door, or inside 

 if the door is not screened. They lay their eggs, which quickly 

 hatch, upon meat and vegetables, and are at times a great nui- 

 sance. Packard says that in the Civil War wounded soldiers 

 lying on the field were tormented by these flies endeavoring to 

 lay eggs in their wounds. 



