SECTION XIV. 
EXTERNAL PARASITES. 
CHAPTER I. 
FLEAS, LICE AND FLIES, 
Tue Pulex canis, the dog flea, well nigh makes life a burden to the ca- 
nine race. Contrary to the general belief, this and the Pulex zrritans, the 
human flea, are not one and the same; and while the latter may infest the dog, 
the former never attaches himself obstinately to man, although he annoys him 
with occasional visits. 
Both varieties seek sand in which to lay their eggs and hatch out their 
young; and during the season in which this is going on it is quite impossible 
to keep them out of buildings located near sand hills or on sand recently de- 
posited. Consequently he who has his driveway repaired during warm weather 
is sure to suffer severe infliction. But, fortunately, as sand is worn or rolled 
down it no longer as nicely serves the purpose of the pests, and they seek more 
favorable situations. 
Fleas suck blood like leeches; and not content to satisfy their appetites, 
they inject into their hosts a fluid that is highly irritating. Another unfortu- 
nate peculiarity is, that they multiply with exceeding rapidity, the female laying 
about twenty eggs in as many days, from which the larve merge in the course 
of a week and are speedily matured; but until they are full grown the mother 
supplies them with nourishment — sucking blood enough for herself and for 
them. 
For obvious reasons kennels should not be situated near sand hills; and if 
sand is used for the foundation or yards it should be rolled or tamped down 
hard, or be well mixed or covered with air-slaked lime, the same being - 
scattered about the yard during or after a rainfall. By which means the ova 
or eggs of the fleas would be destroyed. The fact should be kept in mind, 
however, that lime does not long retain this destructive effect when exposed 
to the air; therefore fresh coverings must be applied now and then. 
Pine shavings appear-+to be unpleasant to fleas, consequently the bedding 
should consist in part if not entirely of them; and the good effect would be 
intensified were carbolic ‘disinfecting balls,” such as housekeepers put up 
with clothing to keep out moths, freely scattered about in the shavings. 
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