22 IX SECT PARASITES. 



parts of the host ; their favourite positions are the 

 neck, rump, under the wings, and between the 

 wing-feathers. Certain species seem to be restricted 

 to given areas ; others wander about upon the host 

 to some extent. 



The presence of these lice in chicken is ascribed to 

 a variety of causes. Food, if too uniform, is stated 

 to be answerable for their presence. Insufficient 

 nourishment again is said to help them to flourish in 

 chicken-runs. Neither, I find, have any real bearing 

 on this parasitic affection. On the other hand, dark, 

 damp, badly ventilated, and above all dirty runs and 

 houses are sure to encourage them, and make the 

 fowls acceptable to their presence. 



The irritation, pruritus, and cachectic conditions 

 produced by these gallinaceous c guests ' is usually 

 spoken of as JPhthiriasis. 



Varieties of Foivls affected. 



It is sometimes stated that breed affects their 

 presence. This, however, is contrary to all informa- 

 tion sent me and to my own experience. 



Certainly the more delicate varieties of fowls suffer 

 to a greater extent than the hardier breeds. Cochin 

 Chinas, for example, are very prone, both as chicks 

 and adults, to Phthiriases. White Brahmas are 

 again much affected by lice. 



Plymouth Pocks alone seem to be indifferent to 

 these unbidden, guests. So far I have not noticed 

 any lice on Bantams ; but I have no doubt they affect 



