64 
the United Kingdom, independently of the numbers declared from 
the markets, and we regret to say that many hides which are 
classed as perfect on the market * prove to be covered with minute 
warble-grubs when the flesh and hair are removed by the tanner.” 
—(H. & C. H.) 
In the foregoing pages I have given the history of our Ox 
Warble Fly (Hypo derma bovis ) in its various stages, and its effects 
in Warble formation, in great part from my own observations, of 
which I preserved the specimens in microscopic slides, with some 
additions of useful observations from British contributors, and 
information from British and European Continental publications 
(all duly acknowledged), these together, I believe, bringing this 
portion of the account up to date. 
The reports (pp. 51-63) of effects of the warble maggot in 
injury to cattle, and loss in health, yield of milk, state of meat, 
and loss by depreciation of value of hides, have been carefully 
collected in the course of much communication from known Cattle- 
owners, Farmers, Chairmen and Secretaries of some of our chief 
Hide and Cattle Associations, and others well qualified to know 
the various details referred to, and the names of whom are appended. 
It is but a very small portion of the information sent to my hands 
which I am able to offer here, but still it is enough to show that 
the lowest estimate of the quite unnecessary loss we suffer from 
the pest, amounting to upwards of £2,000,000 per annum, is no 
imaginary statement. 
The loss can be, and is, enormously lessened where means of 
prevention are properly applied, and in the following pages I give 
the main points requiring attention. 
* “ Glassed as perfect on the market .” During the time when it was neces¬ 
sary I should examine the condition of hide personally, to ascertain what might 
be going on for myself, I was one day examining a newly-flayed warbled hide, 
shown me by a neighbouring butcher on a large scale, who worked a good deal 
for me on the matter of Warble investigation; and, with the under side of the 
warbled hide before us, he showed me how to pass a “ grubby ” hide on the 
inspectors as perfect. The process was simple. Just with a penknife to make 
a little slit across the thin tissue covering the maggot; then a gentle pressure 
frees it, or allows it to come out; the puffed-up apparent swelling caused by 
the maggot-presence sinks down flat; and though I did not experiment myself 
enough to be sure of possibilities of deceiving the inspector, I should say that 
this very undesirable plan was one which it might be well to draw attention to 
as practicable. It may be well to add that my informant was then a butcher 
doing a large business, and in communication with hide firms, but has now 
retired.—E. A. O. 
