REINDEER IN ALASKA. 67 
from the reindeer in spring large openings (in some cases, hundreds) 
rilled with pus may be seen in their backs. Blowflies are attracted to 
these and it is reported that in some seasons considerable losses 
may follow blowfly attack. Prevention of this form of loss has 
been discussed under Warble Flies, p. 61. 
Screw worms have been found infesting wounds resulting from 
other causes, such as broken horns and sores on the legs. In these 
cases the removal of the grubs and the surgical treatment of wounds 
will bring about a cure. Proper disposal of refuse and carcasses 
should bring about a diminution of blowflies. Burning is the most 
satisfactory method, and next to this comes burial ; in Alaska, how- 
ever, owing to the frozen state of the ground, burial is not always 
possible, and fuel for burning is sometimes scarce. When burial is 
possible, at least 2 feet of soil should cover the carcass. Lime and 
oil are of assistance in the destruction of larvae and may be used to 
advantage. A carcass soaked in oil can be set fire to and many 
grubs thus destroyed. Cleanliness around native villages could easily 
be enforced, and the reprehensible practice of throwing carcasses 
of dead dogs on the seashore should be stopped. It is true that 
many dogs have to be killed each spring, but the work should be 
done under supervision and the animals should be burned or properly 
buried. 
MOSQUITOES. 
Mosquitoes are a serious pest in the north and cause much annoy- 
ance to man and beast. In Alaska they consist of only a few species, 
although they are very numerous. Reindeer suffer a great deal from 
the mosquito, but being so heavily coated they appear to resist attack 
better than do some animals, excepting during the time when their 
hair is newly shed. 
Culiseta alashaensis Ludlow 20 and C. impatiens Walker are the 
large snow mosquitoes which come out early in spring. Aedes punc- 
todes Dyar is the common form, and is the worst mosquito attack- 
ing reindeer on the coast of Alaska, where it appears about the latter 
part of June. The Lapps always say that the mosquitoes help them 
to round up their herds at marking time, about June 20 ; it is prob- 
able, however, that the warble fly, which appears about that time, 
may also play a part. According to Dyar, Aedes cataphylla Dyar, 
of which a few specimens were collected on the coast, is the species 
which is abundant along the Yukon Valley. 
LICE. 
The only surface-skin parasites of reindeer found up to the present 
time are lice, and these have been encountered in only small numbers. 
20 Determinations of the mosquitoes collected in Alaska were made by Dr. H. G. Dyar, 
of the Bureau of Entomology. 
