442 



The chigoe (Pulex penetrans) of the Gulf coast is still more injurious, 

 because it burrows under the surface and deposits its eggs to be hatched 

 out slowly with much irritation. The tumor formed by it should be 

 laid open and the parasite extracted. If it bursts so that its eggs 

 escajje into the wound, they may be destroyed by introducing a wire at 

 a red heat. 



LICE — PEDICULI. 



Two kinds of lice attack the horse, one of which is furnished with 

 narrow head and a i^roboscis for perforating the skin and sucking the 

 blood, and the other — the broad-headed kind — with strong mandibles, 

 by which it bites the skin only. Of the bloodsuckers, one is common 

 to horse and ass and another to horse and ox, while of the nonsuckiug 

 lice one species attacks horse and ox and a second ox and ass. The 

 poor condition, itching, and loss of hair, should lead to suspicion and a 

 close examination wi)l detect the lice. They may be destroyed by rub- 

 bing the victim with sulphur oiutment, or with sulphuret of potassium 

 4 ounces, water 1 gallon, or with tar water, or the skin may be sponged, 

 with benzine. The application should be repeated a week later to de- 

 stroy all lice hatched from the nits in the interval. Buildings, clothes, 

 etc., should be treated as for fleas. 



TARANTULA AND SCORPION. 



The bite of the first and the sting of the second are poisonous, and 

 may be treated like other insect venom, by carbolated glycerine or a 

 strong solution of ammonia. 



SNAKE BITES. 



These are marked by the double incision caused by the two fangs, by 

 the excessive doughy (dark red) swelling around the wounds, and in bad 

 cases by the general symptoms of giddiness, weakness, and prostration. 

 They are best treated by enormous doses of alcohol, whisky or brandy, 

 or by aqua ammonia very largely diluted in water, the object being to 

 sustain life until the i^oison shall have spent its power. As local treat- 

 ment, if the wound is in a limb, the latter may have a handkerchief or 

 cord tied around it, above the injury, and drawn tight by a stick twisted 

 into it. In this way absorption may be checked until the poison can be 

 destroyed by the application of a hot. iron or a piece of nitrate of silver 

 or other caustic. A poultice of tobacco leaves is a favorite remedy, 

 and may be used to soothe the sore after cauterization. 



BURNS AND SCALDS. 



For scalds the surface may be bathed with a solution of bicarbonate 

 of soda, sweetened or not by carbolic acid, or a weak solution of sugar 

 of lead may be used ; or the surface may be dusted thickly with starch 

 or flour and covered with cotton wool, or oil of turpentine may be ap- 



