86 



largest of the British Muscids," but is not common, and has been 

 breel from cocoons of Bomhyx trifolii. 



The next two belong to a family of evil reputation, the Tabanidae, 

 known popularly as "Horse-flies," " Gad-flies," etc. 



Major E. E. Austin (who kindly named the Diptera for me) in- 

 cludes Tabaniis and Chri/sops among the " four principal genera in 

 which occur the majority oi the species that have hitherto attracted 

 attention by reason of their blood-thirsty habits." He adds, " The 

 blood-sucking females are persistent tormentors of human beings 

 and domestic animals." One of these is Chrysops carhonaria, which, 

 in common with most other members of the family, is capable of 

 carrying the bacillus of anthrax. The other is Tabaniis affinh — one 

 of the worst offenders in Ethelbert — where it is known as the "Bull- 

 dog." My specimens were all taken from window-panes inside 

 dwelling houses. Its bite is sharp and painful, as may w^ell be 

 imagined from a microscopical examination of its mouth organs, 

 which in structure and arrangement bear a striking resemblance to 

 those of the flea. In both Tabaniis affinis and Pidex irritam the 

 principal surgical instruments are the blade-like triangular 

 maxillae, which in Tabauus have their inner margins extremely 

 finely serrated. This formidable tool in the case of the latter is, as I 

 find by micrometer measurement, five and a half times larger than 

 that of the flea. Add to this fact the advantage of power of flight, 

 and it is no wonder horses and cattle are terrified by its attacks. 



Anthrax alcijon is included in the family of the Bombyliidae, the 

 larvae of which, like those of the Tachinidae, are also entomo- 

 phagous. I do not remember seeing another, and as this species is 

 represented in the Natural History Museum by a single specimen, 

 it may perhaps not be very common. 



The last insects to be mentioned shall be the mosquitoes. Up in 

 the undrained bush these execrable pests existed in such numbers 

 as to make life to a newcomer almost unendurable. In June and 

 July their attacks were unceasing except during the hottest hours 

 of sunshine and the early hours of morning. On walking out of 

 doors it was a common custom for nearly everyone to pluck a leafy 

 branch, usually of the choke-cherry, to be used as a switch or fan 

 for driving oft' the mosquitoes. The necessity for keeping this in 

 constant motion was extremely fatiguing, and largely detracted 

 from the enjoyment of out-door life. If one desisted for a moment 

 to examine a plant or insect, it would be at the cost of receiving 

 fresh bites from the gnats. But for wearing snow-boots over others, 



