PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS SECTlUN D. IO3 



Statistical nature has been initiated in connection with such para- 

 sites as the germ of malaria, and such is dependent to a large 

 extent on our knowledge of the distribution of anopheles. A 

 detailed knowledge of the latter form, tor example, may be 

 needed ere long, as there is every possibility that malaria will 

 atlect much wider areas than m pre-war days. 



Quite recently Bilharzia has made its appearance in many 

 areas within the Union, and unless the greatest precaution is 

 exercised, will spread throughout this territory, ihis state of 

 altairs, when we realise at the same time our comparative ignor- 

 ance of the specific nature of tlic numerous riatyhelminthes in 

 this country, and needless to say, their life-history, necessitates 

 a detailed census of the Mollusca, both from the specific and dis- 

 tributional standpoints. We have several workers in this group, 

 but they have not the time nor opportunity under present condi- 

 tions of even attempting any such serious task. Such workers 

 need an army of trained collectors. To quote one outstanding 

 example, it may be pointed out that we are ignorant of the life- 

 history of the tapeworm affecting the ostrich. Such work neces- 

 sitates much patient labour, and can be carried out only with 

 relief from an excess of routine work and Government assistance. 

 Under any circumstances it will occupy many years, but a start 

 must be made, and 1 feel strongly tliat we should now plead for 

 the initiation of such. What has been said in reference to the 

 Trematoda and Cestoda applies equally well in the case of the 

 Nematoda. Great attention to these parasites is encouraged by 

 European, American, and Australian Governments, and tnere is 

 equal need in South Africa. We want to know much more of 

 the structure and life-history of South African forms, and 

 especially of their life-history. This is necessary if we are to 

 attempt a scientific control over parasites affecting stock. The 

 important part played by insects and ticks as intermediate hosts 

 in tiiis country is known to all, and I think it unnecessary to ask 

 for support in suggesting the urgency of a census of these 

 forms. 



I have mentioned a few groups, the economic significance of 

 which will no doubt appeal to all. But we must bear in mind that 

 other groups have an equally strong claim, and some may yet 

 claim greater attention, such as Myriapoda, UligochcCta, Hiru- 

 dinea, etc. In fact, it becomes at once dogmatic and unscientific 

 to attempt to differentiate, although it must be granted in the 

 present state of our knowledge that certain groups have the 

 stronger claim. It would be better, however, to work towards the 

 ideal, and follow the scientific path by instituting a complete 

 zoological survey. 



A recently-published bulletin of the United States Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture presents the results of the second annual bird 

 count in the United States, carried out in 1915. It is based on 315 

 reports, from every State in the Union except Utah and Nevada, 

 and shows a gratifying agreement with the results obtained in the 



