36 AN A ceo UNT OF BRITISH FLIES. 



2. Typhlopsylla : 



8 combs along the back, octactenus, Kol. 



6 „ „ „ „ hexadenns, Kol. 

 Comb only on posterior margin of pronotum. 



4 genal spines, musculi. 



3 ,, asshnilis. 



Three spines on the suture dividing ant. cavity from 

 the front of head, gracilis. 



3. Hystrichopsylla : 



Cheeks and clypeus densely spinose, obiusiceps. 

 The geographical distribution of the "fleas" seems to be world- 

 wide, occurring from the Arctic regions to the tropics. They seem, 

 however, to flourish best in warm climates, where they swarm in 

 every room. Darwin gives a curious episode respecting fleas on reach- 

 ing the mountainous country near Coquimbo. He say? : " I enjoyed 

 my night's rest here from a reason which will not be fully appreciated 

 in England ; namely, the absence of fleas ! The rooms in Coquimbo 

 swarm with them ; but they will not live here at the height of only 

 three or four thousand feet."* This, he states, cannot be on account 

 of the trifling diminution of temperature at that height. They occur 

 just as plentifully in the mountain chalets of Switzerland also as in 

 the warmer valleys. 



There appear to be no records of fossil fleas, as far as I can make 

 out. None seem to be recorded from fossil amber, as we might 

 expect. 



Modes of Destruction : 



1. Careful sweeping of carpets, mats, and rugs upon which animals 



are in the habit of resting, and instantly burning the dust, 

 thus stopping the development of the ova. If they are 

 allowed to hatch, the small larvae soon migrate into cracks 

 and crevices, and are then difiicult to dislodge. 



2. Paraffin is found a good remedy for destroying the larvoe as well 



as dispersing the adults, and should be applied fairly strong 

 to all cracks and crevices where dust has accumulated. 



3. The leaves of the feverfew are also said to keep away fleas ; 



whether this is true or not I am unable to say. 



4. The following method is taken from "Land and Water": 



" Take a few handfuls of fresh garden mint, and strew them 

 about the rooms, particularly under the beds. This plan I 

 adopted when on the Neilgherry Hills with perfect success." 



5. For cleansing floors, etc., a solution of carbolic acid or parafiin 



* " Voyage of the Beagh" Darwin, p. 344. 



