FLEAS, LICE AND FLIES. 401 
often applied and allowed to dry on, the solution would likely make the hair 
dry and brash. 
This crude carbolic solution is not only destructive to fleas and other 
troublesome insects but preventive and curative of the most common form of 
mange and other parasitic diseases; hence its use about twice every week in 
summer is likely to prove highly beneficial in a variety of ways. But, for 
obvious reasons, it is available only in warm weather or where the kennels are 
comfortably heated in winter. And since nearly all such agents are more or 
less prejudicial to the coat, it should used be sparingly, if at all, on dogs being 
made ready for shows. 
As a vermin destroyer, what is generally accepted as pure carbolic acid is 
sometimes used in a stronger preparation composed as follows: 
Carbolic acid, one-half an ounce; glycerin, one-half an ounce; laudanum, 
one ounce; bicarbonate of potassium, one drachm; water, one and one-half 
pints. 
In using this pour a little into a hand-basin, and with a small sponge rub 
it through the coat to the skin. 
Of the various agents that have been recommended for the destruction of 
fleas the Persian and Dalmatian insect powders appear to be the most popular. 
They are often destructive, yet by no means positively so in all instances, and 
in the exceptions they have simply a narcotic effect, which lasts for a few hours 
only, when apparently complete restoration occurs. Nor can they be relied 
upon to keep dogs free from the pests, for they are soon shaken off, with all 
their constituents, consequently must be used once, and perhaps twice, daily 
to effect lasting benefit. 
A bellows is the best means of application, or in its absence a tin box with 
perforated cover can be used. And in every instance the powder should be 
well worked into the hair, and down to the skin, with the fingers, the subject 
under treatment the meanwhile standing or lying on a paper, which, with 
what falls on it, should oe burned, that all the fleas may be with certainty 
destroyed. 
A dip may be made of the insect powder in the following manner: 
Into a small jug pour one pound of the powder and three pints of cheap alco- 
hol. Cork tightly, to prevent evaporation, and shake often for three days. 
Then obtain a tin funnel large enough to hold the contents of this jug, also a 
three gallon demijohn. Lightly pack the bottom of the funnel and its neck 
with absorbent cotton, and insert it into the mouth of the demijohn. Shake 
the small jug and pour its entire contents into the funnel. The fluid portion, 
which is the tincture of the insect powder, will slowly filter through the cot- 
ton, and as it does so, keep the funnel full of water until sufficient has passed 
through to fill the three gallon demijohn. And each time water is put into the 
funnel the muddy mass at the bottom of it should be lightly stirred, otherwise 
