The times., 1899-08-20
PRAIRIE DOG REMEDY WANTED.
Little Animals Rapidly Becoming "A
Pest to Nebraska Stcekmen.
(FrOm the Chicago Chronicie.)

| (From the Chicago Chronicle.)
| The buffalo and the antelope once found
on the prairies of Nebraska disappeared
long ago, but the prairie dog still lives and
hourishes. AS matter of fact, he is
fourishing SO greatly that appeal after ap-
peal is coming TO the biologists of the
State University for aid in ridding the
northwestern part OF the State OF a great
pest. The prairie dog is not beautiful
animal, but as propagation of his species
he stands near the top OF the list He Is
exceedingly gregarious and builds towns
with rapfdity that gains the respectful
admiration OF even the most successful
Western town boomers.
So far the ravages OF the prairie Gogs
have been confined to the stock growing
country and stockmen say that unless
something is done large part OF the
State will have to be abandoned to the
animals The damage done by them con-
sists in the killing OF the grass wherever
they are located. Especially are they
common in Sheridan county. an almost ex-
elusively stock growing district. Ten years
ago there were few prairie dogs there and
all in one town. As an illustration OF
how fast they multiply IL is stated that
three years ago there was dog town just
north of Rushville. the county seat, which
covered less than 100 acres Today IL ex-
tends over four sections OF land. or 1900
acres. Within a radius of four miles of
Rushyille there are now nine towns. COW
ering some eight sections Of land, all Of
which is useless for grazing purposes
So elusive are the little fellows that the
marksmen no longer waste their time on
them. The best hunters say the dogs can
dodge a bullet between the flash and its
arrival In their neigkborhood. No certain
remedy TO get rid OF the pests has yet
been invented and the scientists at the
experimental station here have taken up
the subject, and as soon as they frrtye
at a conclusion will publish il for the
benefit of the sufferers.
The only practical method that has been
tried so far is the use Of poisonous sasses
and virus Carbonic bisulphide Is sure
death to the dogs, but the price and the
labor involved in applying it prevents its
universal adoption. The difficulty expe-
rienced in finding a virus that will spread
contagion and death among the dogs IS
that all suggested are equally fatal TO
domestic animals and human beings. The
willy little fellows also decline TO walk
right up and partake Of the poisoned bait
as soon as it is set; they wait until ex-
posure to the air has weakened the poison.
The scientists are also at loss to tell
what food TO use with the assurance that
the dogs will eat 1t. The dogs seem to be
so wary of man and keep such close
watch on him that anything he does In
their neighborhood is looked upon with
suspicion, and a conference Is almost IN
variabIy called as soon as he departs The
scientists hope for eventual success, de-
spite the fact that scientific literature
upon the prairie dog and his habits Is very
scant and ancient. Careful records OF ev-
cry test is kept, and the labor, time, and
cost are computed with the object of dem
onstrating the least expensive and most
effective method.