What is generally accepted as the pure carbolic acid is sometimes used in a stronger preparation composed as follows:

Carbolic acid, one-half an ounce; glycerine, one-half an ounce; laudanum, one ounce; bicarbonate of potassa, one drachm; water, one and one-half pints. In using, pour a little into a hand basin, and with a small sponge rub it through the coat to the skin.

The writer has never tried this preparation, but Mr. J. Otis Fellows, one of the most experienced breeders within his acquaintance, cordially recommends it for use especially on house pets, because of its cleanly nature as well as efficiency.

Quassia is another potent flea destroyer, which notwithstanding that it possesses the peculiarity of being poisonous to many of the lower animals, including dogs, is never likely to do harm unless used much too freely. The infusion, the preparation for the purpose, is made as follows: Put four ounces of the chips into a demijohn containing a gallon of hot water; stop the same with a cork - only gently inserted - and place it on the back of the stove where it will keep warm. In the course of two or three hours the virtues of the chips will all have been extracted, when sufficient of the liquor should be poured into a tub, in which, after the infusion has cooled, the infested dog should be stood and thoroughly drenched.

There are many kinds of soap on the market for which the claim is made that they are destroyers of fleas. The writer has given a very large number of them fair trials yet found but few which acted as reputed; and the strongest form of carbolic soap was the most notable exception.

Some carbolic soaps are intended for toilet purposes merely and contain such small quantities of the essential agent that they are but little if any better than common unmedicated soaps, but the strongest kind is destructive to fleas as well as of real value in the treatment of parasitic affections. And although there is a prejudice against it because of its great strength it is perfectly safe for use on mature dogs, provided it is applied quickly and a free rinsing follows without delay.

To afford relief from flies, which in hot weather cause nearly as much annoyance as fleas, tar soap is recommended, for the reason that the odor of tar is highly objectionable to them, and this can be used freely in washing dogs or they can be dipped in a strong suds; and in neither case will it be necessary to rinse them, as there is nothing poisonous about the active agent.

Mature dogs are seldom infested with lice, but puppies are frequent victims, and their favorite habitat is the back of the neck and around the ears, where they appear as very small steel-gray specks. An emulsion made of kerosene oil two parts and fresh skimmed milk one part readily destroys these insects, and without causing any irritation of the skin.

This is easily prepared as follows : Heat the milk, and while yet hot put it into a bottle considerably larger than required by the mixture; add twice as much oil as milk, and shake the whole vigorously for several minutes; by which means the ingredients will be quite thoroughly mixed.

As soon as it has cooled sufficiently apply the mixture with a sponge or stiff brush, such as painters use, and rub with considerable force that the skin may be well bathed. On the day following such application it will be advisable to use a fine-tooth comb on the parts treated, and if any of the pests are then found alive a second drenching with the oily mixture will be indicated.

Another highly efficacious remedy for lice is the common commercial benzine, which, by the way, is of great merit not only as an insecticide but as a parasiticide, notwithstanding the strange fact that it is but rarely used on man or animals.

It costs but a mere trifle, does not irritate the skin, is perfectly safe for external use, and will not injure or stain the finest fabrics; moreover, there are but few medicinal agents that "strike in" so deeply as this, hence its special value in diseases of hair follicles, all of which involve the minute pores of the skin.

The removal of wood-ticks, with which dogs are occasionally troubled, practically requires the same treatment as lice. But should this fail the solution of crude carbolic acid and water recommended for the destruction of fleas can be used.

In closing, it is urged that in every instance where the kennel of a dog becomes infested with any of the troublesome insects or he acquires an obstinate skin disease and especially if the same is attended with itching - the bedding be at once destroyed, the kennel thoroughly cleaned, fumigated with sulphur and faithfully whitewashed in every part, crack and crevice.