CHAPTER XXXIX 

 PARASITES AND PESTS 



Fowls are Subject to Vermin. — In every enterprise there are 

 certain realities and circumstances which may be classified as 

 grim realities. To combat them seems to be a part of the philos- 

 ophy of life. Therefore, to attempt a task without due allowance 

 for this struggle is in the nature of folly, since it is quite likely to 

 result in bitter disappointment, maybe failure. 



Farming is no exception to the above. In fact, it is probably 

 the most graphic example of a struggle against adverse circum- 

 stances. There is scarcely a tree, shrub, vine or plant that is 

 without its natural enemy. For almost every stalk that sprouts 

 there is some other form of life eager to feast upon it. Horti- 

 culture is a constant battle against blight, worms, beetles, weevils, 

 moths, grubs and countless other insects. Successful animal hus- 

 bandry necessitates a corresponding struggle against similar 

 pests, for as such we have come to know these lower forms of 

 life. And not the least of these are the parasites affecting poultry. 



No matter how much we would like to think of our fowls as 

 being nice and clean and free from anything so objectionable in 

 name and nature as lice and mites, just as certain as dogs are 

 likely to be bothered with fleas, and cattle and sheep are sus- 

 ceptible to ticks, poultry, especially chickens, are prone to become 

 infested with vermin. It seems to be a part of the general scheme 

 of things. 



Be on the Lookout. — On the well-organized, progressive farm, 

 where poultry is made a specialty, there is less trouble resulting 

 from the ravages of vermin than on the general farm or back- 

 yard, where small flocks of fowls are kept principally as a side 

 line. There are several reasons to account for this condition. 



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