112 
WARBLE FLY. 
this heat! Many lose £1 worth of beef in a week from this cause. 
—B. Stratton, The Duffryn, Newport, Mon. 
.“In the hot summer days our cows are tormented by the 
Fly, and we frequently see them galloping with tails up to get out 
of the way of their tormentor; this lessens the quantity of milk, 
and prevents feeding cattle growing.” — D. Byrd, Spurstow Hall, 
Tarporley. 
In the following notes of applications or treatment of the animals, 
which have been found to prevent attack, it will be seen that there are 
a few special points acted on. These are— 1st, applying mixtures of 
such a strong smell as may be obnoxious to the Fly arid overpower the 
attraction of the smell of the animal; 2nd, applications which would stick 
the Fly fast or kill the egg; 3rd, washes which would clear off the eggs or 
destroy them if laid on the skin, or if lying just beneath the outer cuticle; 
4th, protection afforded to cattle by being housed at egg-laying time. 
“ Bespecting the application of anything to prevent the Warble Fly 
depositing the eggs, there are a number of matters of a tarry nature 
that might be applied, and nothing better than Stockholm or green 
tar itself rubbed along the cows’ backs before turning them out, which 
would last all the summer season, or applied in May or June between 
the top of the shoulder-blade and loins. This is the only part the cow 
cannot lick, rub, or lash with the tail; hence the only peaceable place 
where the Fly can leave its egg. Or sheep-salve (bad butter and tar 
mixed with sulphur). About two applications would last a full season. 
Or the application of brine and the mixture I have already given you. 
Paraffin, kerosine, carbolic acid, plienyle, &c., are all too transient to 
be of much service, and would have to be applied frequently.” — H. 
Thompson, M.E.C.Y.S., Asp atria. 
Mr. Thompson further notes that he has been told it was a common 
practice to wash the cows’ backs with pickling brine, the application 
being used two or three times during the season. In this part large 
farmers keep what is called the pickling-tub, wherein they put beef 
and mutton; the brine is made with salt and water, salt being added 
till an egg will float. This is an old remedy, and I think a good one, 
as I think the ova would be destroyed immediately it was placed in 
the skin. 
“ I have used and also recommend the following mixtures as a 
preventive :—Flour of sulphur, 4 oz. ; spirits of tar, 1 gill; train 
(whale) oil, 1 quart. Mix well together, and apply along the spine of 
the cow once a week with a small brush. The smell drives off the 
flies, and prevents them depositing their eggs, and the cattle are left 
at peace to graze, and warbles thus prevented.”— Henry Thompson, 
Aspatria. 
“ I venture to give my experience of many years. If cattle that 
