Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 169, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 July 1918 — DEAD FLIES ARE ONLY GOOD FLIES [ARTICLE]

DEAD FLIES ARE ONLY GOOD FLIES

Swatting in Summer May Prevent Abundant Reproduction Before Cold Weather. . IS VERITABLE “GERM-HUN” Screening and Use of Papers, Poisons and Traps Are Good Only as Temporary Expedients—Use of Formalin Is Favored. Every fly that this year contaminates and destroys food or spreads illness is an enemy of America In even greater degree than in the past. As a fly hunter, alluding to the tendency of the insect to spread disease, expressed it recently, the fly is a veritable “Germ-Hun.” Every fly destroyed means a contribution, be it ever so slight, to the cause of America efficient. The best time to swat the fly, of course, is early in the breeding season, before the young ones have become grandparents. Flies killed in the spring prevent hordes later on. But it is a never-ending battle, and in late July and early August vigilance becomes more than ever necessary. Work to kill flies even at this time may prevent abundant reproduction before cold weather. In fact, there is no closed season in hunting flies. A swat in any day of the yedF is a meritorious swat, and even a fly buzzing around a window-pane in midwinter should be regarded as legitimate prey.

Controlling the Fly. Careful screening of window’s and doors during the summer months does not decrease the number of flies, but at least It lessens the danger of contamination of food. This applies not only to homes, but with equal force to stores, restaurants, bakeries, dairies, and every other place where food Is handled. Use of sticky fly papers to destroy flies that have gained access to houses also is well-known, and fly-poison preparations are common. Many of the commercial fly poisons contain arsenic, and their use in the household is attended by considerable danger, especially to children. This danger, according to specialists of the United States department of agriculture, is lessened by the use of a weak solution of formalin. An effective fly poison is made by adding three teaspoonfuls of the commercial formalin to a pint of milk or water sweetened with a little brown sugar. Flytraps may be used to advantage. Their use has been advocated not only because of immediate results, but because of the chances that the flies may be caught before they lay their first batch of eggs, thus reducing the numbers of future generations. Many types of fly traps are on the market, and as a rule the larger ones are effective. The United States department of agriculture on {request will send directions for making flytraps, not only for household use, but' for catching flies and destroying eggs around stables and other breeding places. Preventive Measures. Fly papers, poisons and traps at best are only temporary expedients. %"he most logical method of abating ttie fly nuisance Is the elimination or treatment of all breeding places. It would appear, specialists say, from what is known Of the life history and habits of the common house fly that it is perfectly feasible for cities and towns to reduce the numbers of these annoying and dangerous insects so greatly as to render them of comparatively slight account. Following are some recommendations of entomolo-

gists who have studied the subject thoroughly : Water-tight floors in stables, of concrete or masonry, prevent egg development. Horse manure should be kept in flytight pits or bins, equipped wherever possible with flytraps. Manure should be removed frequently, not less frequently than twice a week during the summer months. In rural and suburban districts stable manure should be removed every morning and hauled out at once and spread rather thinly on the fields, not only to prevent development of fly eggs, but to get the maximum fertilizing value. Treatment oif manure with chemical substances to kill the eggs and maggots of the house fly has been found effective in experiments by the department of agriculture, whiqh has publications for free distribution describing in detail this and other methods of destroying flies, their eggs and maggots. Not only horse stables but chicken yards, piggeries and garbage receptacles as well must be guarded. In cities, with better methods of garbage disposal and with the lessening of the number of horses and stables with the increase of street railways and automobiles, the time may not be far away, according to department specialists, when window screens may be discarded.

Protein and Its Value. I Every farmer knows that nitrogen is one of the chemical elements which neither his crops nor his stock can do without. The same Is true of nitrogen in human food. It is absolutely necessary for the building and repair of body tissues and can be obtained only ' from the food substance or nutrient j known as protein. The foods usually classed as rich in 1 protein are milk, cheese, eggs, meat, ! poultry and fish; dried legumes, such as peas, beans, cowpeas, soy beams and peanuts. Wheat, oats and some other cereals also furnish considerable protein. A man at moderate muscular work is believed to need about three and one-half ounces of protein a oay, aud a family consisting of father, mother and three small children needs about twelve ounces a day. Real economy in the use of protein foods lies not in leaving them out of the diet, but in choosing and combining kinds which will supply the total amount needed as cheaply as circumstances penult. Barley Saves Wheat. Not many years ago barley was used more extensively than wheat for bread making in many European countries. Now it is coming into American favor as a wheat substitute. Barley flour is very satisfactory for toot breads. Try this recipe, tested by government specialists, for barley drop biscuits: 2 * cupfuls barley! cupfulof mil*.' ‘ fl our . 4 t&blespoonfuia fat. \y, teaspoonfuls of 8 teaspoonfuls oaXsalt. !ng powder. Baked in a sheet this makes a good shortcake.