226 The Hen at Work 



fails to discover a single louse which are thus 

 treated. Two treatments a year are enough to 

 keep the flock free from these pests. This plan 

 has given great satisfaction at laying contests. 



Lice and mites which live in the cracks and 

 boards may be destroyed by spray. Five quarts 

 of cream of lime, one quart of kerosene, one pint 

 of zenoleum, well mixed, and added to seven 

 quarts of water, make a mixture that will not only 

 kill the lice and mites present in the cracks, but 

 win tend to fill and cover such cracks, and disinfect 

 the house. 



Such a combination is mixed weU by turning the 

 nozzle of the force pump back into the pail and 

 driving the stream into the contents. It should 

 be sprayed through a fine nozzle. The clean and 

 bright appearance of the house after such treatment 

 is attractive to the fowl and those who care for it. 



It is a safe plan to go on the principle that your 

 hens have lice whether you see any or not, and treat 

 with ointment twice a year, spraying in the sum- 

 mer with the mixture given above. 



Ashes. — ^As stated in other parts of the book, 

 the liberal use of sifted hard-coal ashes in dust 

 boxes and on dropping boards is especially recom- 



