Diseases of the Skin.— External Parasites. 217 
potassa fusa, nitric acid, acetic acid, and nitrate of silver 
are those generally used. I have found the oxide of mer- 
cury made into a paste with sulphuric acid, and a thin 
layer applied to the surface of the wart, more effectual than 
anything else. Of course the latter treatment is chiefly 
adapted to external warts. 
FLEAS. 
Fleas are one of the common pests of dog life. Not only 
are they a perpetual annoyance, but an indirect cause of 
much mischief, from the remedies sometimes adopted for 
their destruction. As more or less in all parasitic associa- 
tions, uncleanliness favours their presence. In hot weather 
they are more abundant, and increase very rapidly. 
Treatment—Among the popular remedies for the de- 
struction of fleas maybe mentioned: Persian insect powder, 
various dog-soaps, paraffine, benzoline, tobacco-water, car- 
bolic acid solutions, etc, 
I usually, and with success, prescribe the following : 
Spts. Camph............. t drachm. 
Ol. Terebinth............ 4 drachm. 
Acid Carbolic............ 10 minims, 
A tablespoonful, in half a pint of chilled water, to be 
rubbed into the skin with a piece of flannel. Wash off in 
twenty-four hours with soft-soap and warm water, and re- 
peat in three days, if necessary. 
Gamgee observes: “ The best remedy that I have used 
for fleas is oil of aniseed in common oil. The dog or cat 
must be well smeared, and a few hours afterwards is to be 
washed with soap and water. It is essential to attend to 
cleanliness, and to destroy all fleas or their larvee wherever 
dogs are accustomed to sleep, such as in kennels,” etc. 
Fresh fine shavings, or sawdust, on which turpentine may 
be slightly sprinkled, forms a protective bedding from fleas. 
