Reports to various Correspondents. 21 



the adults. They are nocturnal, hiding away in crevices of the fowl- 

 house or dove-cot. Young lairds are most affected by it, in fact when 

 this pest once gets into a dove-cot it is almost impossible to raise 

 young birds. Death may ensue, according to Neumann, in from 

 •eight to fifteen days. Amongst fowls, however, this species is rare, 

 and I am not aware of their having caused any annoyance. Besides 

 birds this Bordered Argas attacks man, Megnin having received 

 specimens from Strasburg gathered from the clothes of a man. 

 Cliildren are frequently bitten on the Continent during sleep, 

 especially on the hands and feet. It was probably this species that 

 at one time caused some inconvenience to worshippers in Canterbury 

 Cathedral, the ticks falling down from the roof, where they were 

 evidently abundant, living upon the numerous pigeons, etc., that 

 breed in the towers. 



Other ticks of this genus are well knowu as attacking 

 poultry abroad, namely, the Mauritius Argas (Argas mauritianus, 

 •Guer), which causes considerable loss in the poultry-yards of 

 Mauritius, and the Tampan, Wandluis or Fowl Tick of South Africa 

 {Argas persicus). Frequent instances of fowls and ducks dying from 

 the effects of Fowl Tick attack are reported according to Mr. Louns- 

 bury,* This pest occurs in many countries having a warm climate. 

 It is particularly troublesome to man in Persia, where it is known as 

 the Miana-bug by Europeans, the Gerib-gez or Malleh by the 

 Persians. 



In America and Australia an Argas (A. americamts, Packard) also 

 attacks domestic fowls and turkeys and occasionally cattle. 



Geese Lice ( J'rinoton conspurcatum, Nitzsch) and others. 



Some lice sent by Professor Vale from geese proved to be 

 dark-coloured specimens of Trinofon conspurcatum, Nitzsch. Tliis is 

 one of the largest of the Mallophaga, which is frequent on geese and 

 swans, both wild and domesticated. 



The Trinoton conspurcatum, Nitzsch, is according to Denny a 

 very common parasite on domestic geese, and may, he says, be 

 frequently seen running on that bird with great velocity, either in a 

 progressive or retrogade direction, and owing to its polished and flat 

 surface it is difficult to retain when caught. 



Besides being found on the Domestic Goose it is recorded from 

 the Common Gull {Larus canus) and Bewick's Swan (Cygnus 



* " Report of Cape of Good Hope Government Entomologist, 1899," p. 33. 



