22 CLAUDE FULLER. 



Odoiitotermes represent disruptions of tlie final valvular 

 spiracles. 



I. INTRODUCTION. 



This contribution towards a knowledge of certain Termite 

 features rests upon a number of limited studies of various 

 local species that I have been able to make from time to 

 time. Each study is at best imperfect, because I have been 

 limited by want of opportunity and material ; and, further, 

 because the phases of structure and development recorded 

 have been investigated by ready and simple methods of 

 examination. For this latter reason the anatomical details 

 are separated by many lacunas, gaps that might have been 

 hlled at the time had the technique employed been more 

 elaborate. It was not, however, my original intention to pursue 

 the matter as far as I have. With a view to establishing a 

 satisfactory working nomenclature for the ribs of the termite 

 wing, I first turned for guidance to the tracheation of the 

 developing organ, and this led me to examine the general 

 respiratory system. That wing- venation and the tracheal 

 system can be treated together shoAvs how inseparably the 

 two are connected. 



As a result, certain independent conclusions had been 

 arrived at, and a radical change made in the accepted nomen- 

 clature of the wing-ribs. It is possible that these may bring 

 me into conflict with what is regarded by a large school of 

 modern entomologists as the last Avord u})un the subject ; in 

 any case, they invite criticism. Should such ci'iticism lead to 

 a more thorough examination uf the termite wing and its 

 ontogeny by others more competent to handle the subject, 

 my efforts Avill have served a good purpose even if it be shown 

 that, in company with many another isolated observer, \ luive 

 made some funtlamental errors. 



It Avill have been noticed that the siippoi-ts of the wing 

 arc* spuki'ii of as riV)s, not as " veins " nor as " ncrviires." 

 On the other hand, the assembhige of these ribs is called 



