Cherokee Phoenix

Another Calamity.- Our heretofore favored land, it would appear, has been doomed to curses, not with

Published October, 15, 1828

Page 3 Column 3a

Another Calamity.- Our heretofore favored land, it would appear, has been doomed to curses, not with 'war, famine, and pestilence,' (for we are at peace with all nations and unprecedently [sic] healthy,) but with worms. The worm had scarcely ceased its devastation on the crops before we heard of the maggot in cattle.

The description of fly that deposits the eggs from which these maggots are generated we understand is partly covered with hair, and is above the size of the ordinary green fly. They deposit them in the nostrils, wherever there is blood on the animal, or an abrasion of skin, as from slight injuries, and not, as with the common fly, where there is a taint. The egg shortly after it is deposited, assumes the shape of a worm, varying in length from a quarter to one inch. They affect horned cattle, horses, hogs, dogs, 'c. Among the former we believe they are more general. Blood is constantly trickling or oozing from the place where they are deposited, and is the first indication of their presence. It is really revolting to humanity to see the victims of these voracious insects.

The experience of persons in this neighborhood, in the use of applications to destroy them is limited; but we understand that if they are early discovered, washing the part affected with spirits of turpentine will kill them. If they have been at work several days, the part should be laid open with the knife, washed with spirits of turpentine, and sprinkled with calomel. These are agents, and used for exterminating these insects, as we learn are generally successful.

Selma (Ala.) Cour. Sept. 11