We have now to notice another disgusting affliction to which Fowls are liable, and which it would be more agreeable to pass by altogether.

"Some time ago I had a beautiful brood of Black Spanish Chickens, and the day after they were hatched I happened to take one in my hand, and was much struck by observing on the top of its poll five or six large fullgrown lice, evidently caught from the mother. I then examined the whole brood, and found them all similarly affected. Knowing that they would not thrive until I had dislodged or destroyed the enemy, the next day I attempted to pick them out; but I found that, having only been left one night, the whole poll was covered with nits, and I could not get rid of them from their hanging so tenaciously to the down. I procured some white precipitate powder, and, with a small camel-hair pencil, powdered them over. On examining them the next day, I found the parasites had all disappeared, nor could I detect one in their after growth. They grew and thrived so remarkably afterwards, that I was convinced this was a valuable discovery, and have ever since treated all my broods the same, and have never lost one from sickness. All Hens are affected with these parasites, and as they do not dust themselves so frequently during the time of incubation, they are more liable to them. I have ascertained from observation, that as soon as the Chickens are hatched, these pests leave the parent for the young, and if they are not destroyed, they weaken the Chicken so much, that if any complaint comes on, the poor little thing has not strength to contend with it. The best time to apply the precipitate is when they are two or three days old, and at night after they are gone to roost; but the Hen must not be touched with it; as, in pluming her feathers she draws them through her beak, and the precipitate being a strong poison, would no doubt prove fatal to her. In fact, there is no occasion for it; as I could never detect them in her; they had no doubt left her for the young. A very small quantity should be

used; as one pennyworth, purchased at a chemist's, is sufficient for several broods."-L. B.

A slight application of spirit of turpentine and water answers the same purpose, and may be preferred by many persons who have a natural dislike to the use of poison.

There are some startling facts on the subject of parasitic insects, to be found in the "Monographia Anoplurorum Brittanniæ," by the late Henry Denny (H. G. Bohn, York Street, Covent Garden, 1842), a work which, although with a dog-latin title, that has doubtless limited its circulation, is written in such plain and truthful English, as to make the flesh creep on one's bones. It is not easy to enjoy uninterrupted slumber the night after reading Mr. Denny's Monograph.

"The author has had to contend with repeated rebukes from his friends for entering upon the illustration of a tribe of insects whose very name was sufficient to create feelings of disgust. Why not take up some more interesting or popular department of Entomology?' has been the frequent remark made to him. He considered, however, that if he wished to render any service to science, he must not consult popular taste or ephemeral fashion, but must take a page from that part of the great Book of Nature, less generally read, and consequently less understood and appreciated by the world at large."

The number and variety of species given is frightful; some of those which infest Poultry are,

"Goniocotes hologaster (Louse of the Domestic Fowl). "Goniodes falcicornis (Louse of the Peacock).-This beautiful (!) parasite is common upon the Peacock, and may be found,—after the death of the bird, congregated in numbers about the base of the beak and crown of the head. During the year 1827, three or four specimens of Pavo cristatus having passed through my hands, upon each of which I observed, for the first time, several examples of the large and well-marked parasite of this bird, the Goniodes falcicornis, I was induced to examine whatever other species of birds, &c. might come in my way,

to ascertain whether great diversity in size or appearance existed between the parasites of different species or genera. This I soon found to be so considerable, that I resolved upon forming a collection, and ascertaining what was written upon the parasitic tribes.

"Goniodes stylifer (Louse of the Turkey).-Common upon the Turkey, frequenting the head, neck, and breast: a very beautiful species. The males of this and all the other species of Goniodes use the first and third joints of the antennæ with great facility, acting the part of a finger and thumb.

"Goniodes dissimilis (Louse of the Domestic Fowl). -I suspect this species is of rare occurrence.

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Lipeurus variabilis (Louse of the Domestic Fowl).Common on the Domestic Fowl, preferring the primary and secondary feathers of the wings, among the webs of which they move with great celerity.

"Lipeurus polytrapezius (Louse of the Turkey).— A common parasite upon the Turkey. Their mode of progression is rather singular, as well as rapid. They slide as it were sideways extremely quick from one side of the fibre of a feather to the other, and move equally well in a forward or retrograde direction, which, together with their flat polished bodies, renders them extremely difficult to catch or hold. I have observed that where two or more genera infest one bird, they have each their favourite localities; for while the Goniodes stylifer will be found on the breast and neck of the bird, the Lipeurus polytrapezius will be congregated in numbers on the webs and shafts of the primary wing feathers.

"Menopon pallidum (Louse of the Domestic Fowl).— Found in great abundance on Poultry, running over the hands of those who are plucking Fowls, and difficult to brush off, from the smoothness of their bodies." Those who are desirous of fuller information should consult the work itself.

It may be suggested that the discovery by the microscope of fossil parasites, might determine the species of

doubtful extinct birds and animals, by the same sort of reasoning as the order of fossiliferous strata is decided by the organic remains found in them.

But what a contrast is here displayed! The glittering argus-eyed plumage of the Peacock, undermined by lice! Ach! Degrading! We are but smoking flax. The Pope, at his coronation, is reminded, by the outward visible sign of extinguished flame, and by words, "Sancte Pater, sic transit gloria mundi"-" Holy Father, thus passes away the glory of earthly things." The prelate, encased with gold and gems, but wearing beneath his outward show sackcloth, and perhaps vermin, voluntarily, and the Peacock, with his unrivalled plumes, irritated by these odious defilers involuntarily, that in life move among the webs hastily, and after death "attract notice about the seat of beauty and honour, the head and crest— are the same in kind,-apparent magnificence balanced by unseen evil. Like unto them also are the great and powerful of this world devoured by heart-eating cares and irremediable disappointments. What a natural and

almost true superstition was that of the old Greek Nemesis ! The returned ring of Polycrates is the fate of few mortals; nor to be wished for. The boast, "Soul, thou hast much goods, take thine ease," is apt to be followed by heavy retribution.

"See how glorious, how splendid, how secure we are! What can touch us, or ruffle our luxurious calm? Why need we humble ourselves, and go softly, and think of our less happy brethren now and then? Nemesis is an exploded phantom, self-denial a superstitious folly." Yes "all men think all men mortal-but themselves." They who have felt no loss, no sorrow, have need to be greatly fearful! The black threads which the Sisters weave into our web of life, are healthful as warnings, merciful as threatenings, needful as preservatives. A world was not saved without a sufficient sacrifice. How shall frail and paltry individuals swim on in everlasting sunshine? The check in careering prosperity, the lice in the

enamelled panoply, remind us what we are in the sight of The Ever-present.

"And upon a set day, Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten up of worms, and gave up the ghost."

Let us be thankful for sorrows, humble and loving in good fortune; for it is of no use to sit in the sun, reflecting his splendour by our trappings, and to be, like Herod, stricken of worms at last.