Note 717 — Chapter LII · LICE[715]

Quick-silver is a well-known Indian remedy for lice. Women mix oil with the quick-silver. Indian falconers mix saliva with a little quick-silver in the palm of the hand, and then dab it on at night on the back of the hawk’s neck, etc., and under the wings. In the morning not a trace of the vermin will be found. Newly-trained sakers are invariably troubled with lice, but if so treated after they are “manned” (and will preen freely), they generally continue free—unless infected by another hawk. Peregrines in health, that bathe regularly, are rarely if ever troubled with lice.