The Charlotte Democrat

To Destroy Lice.

Sulphur is advocated as a lice destroyer. It is recommended to dust the hens with it or put it in their dust bath, claiming that the heat from the body generates a gas which destroys the lice. It is accepted by nearly everybody that this is a fact, yet it is an erroneous idea. The fact of the heat from the body generating gas is absurd, and for destroying lice it is a folly. If you wish to use sulphur in any form give it in dry weather internally, and only externally for scurvy, leg ill. To kill lice effectually several remedies may be resorted to. Lard, to which is added about one third kerosene oil, well mixed together and applied lightly under the wings, behind the comb and around the vent, will usually dissipate vermin. Insect powder is very good and sure, but costly. Kerosene oil is sure death to lice, but in its raw state would be too irritating to the flesh of the hen, and I conceived the idea of using it in the following manner with gratifying results: Take a five cent bar of soap, shave it fine, dissolve it in enough boiling water to make it thick, stir in a pint of kerosene oil and add boiling water slowly, stirring quickly so the oil will not float on top. Let it cool down to blood heat. Now take your fowl and hold it in the mixture, head out, with your hand rub it well into the feathers, rub them down and keep them confined in a warm place. Do this on a dry, warm day, and it won't hurt them as much as being out in the rain all day. I am as afraid of lice as of roup, canker, swelled head or cholera. The other pest is the small red lice, which will reduce a flock about as quick as disease if they get the upper hand, but are more easily disposed of. Completely cover the poles with pure kerosene oil and they will never trouble you any more. - Orange County Farmer.