39 



number of egg-masses were found on short grass and sedgy growths 

 in typical wet meadows. Lar\-ae in \-ari(nis stages of growtli were also 

 observed. 



Tlie most important point still remaining for investigation is the study 

 of the moisture conditions in the soil that are suitable for the larvae. 

 Apparently the}' require soils wet and soft enough to allow them to 

 range freely in search of food. Attempts will be made to find out 

 whetlier they occur anywhere except in the swampy, undrained meadow 

 lands. These studies will probably show that the only hope of any 

 great decrease in the number of these Hies lies in the drainage and 

 reclamation of the valleys where they are now abundant. The intro- 

 duction of egg-parasites will, however, be continued, and mav in the 

 long run prove effective. 



CniATTi (V.). La Zecca parassita degli Animali da Cortile. [The Tick 

 parasitising domestic Birds. ^ — Kiv. Agric, Parma, xxv, nt). 50, 

 10th December 1920, pp. 633-634. 



This is a popular article on Aygas reflexus, and contains no new 

 information. The measures advised against this tick are those adopted 

 against A. pcrsicus {miniatus) [R.A.E., B, i, 115, etc.]. 



Eckstein (F.). Die einheimischen Stechmucken. [Mosquitos native 

 to Germany.] — EinzddaystcHitngt'n aiis deiii Gehiet dcr angeivandtcn 

 Wissenschaften, no. 3, Munich, Verlag Natur & Kultur, Dr. 

 F. J. Voller, 1920, 58 pp., 17 figs. Price 4 Marks. 



This monograph describes the habits of German mosquitos and gives 

 Iceys for their determination with a view to aiding the efforts now being 

 made in anti-mosquito work on a large scale. Much of the information 

 has been already noticed [R.A.E., B, vii, 69, 173 ; ix, 19]. A concise 

 account of methods of carrying out remedial measures concludes this 

 work. 



]\Ially (C. \\.). Some Zoological Factors in the Economic Development 

 of South Africa. — 5. African J I. Sci., Jolianneshiirg, xvii, no. 1, 

 NovemlxM- 1920, pp. 64-75. 



Tlie big game still existing in South Africa is now regarded chieflv 

 as a source of danger from the standpoint of diseases that can be 

 transmitted to man, and it seems inevitable that it must eventuall}" 

 disappear in favour of the domestic animals that are associated with 

 man in Europe and America. It is suggested, however, that thorough 

 research on the reaction between the game animals and the pests 

 and diseases of which they are reservoirs, may lead to important 

 discoveries on the question of immunity or resistance. If possible, 

 colonies of all the species should be preserved under conditions that 

 will not permit of their being a source of hindrance or danger to man. 



There is undoubtedly great need for thorough research into the 

 question of the connection between insects and disease. In particular, 

 the louse, Pediculus humanus, and the bedbug, Cimex lectularius, 

 require special attention on account of their influence on the efficiency 

 of labour. Cattle and sheep are dipped as a remedy for ticks and scab 

 for economic reasons, and it would also be an equally advantageous 

 practice, from an economic standpoint, to fumigate with hydrocyanic 

 acid the clothing and sleeping quarters of the poorer classes and the 

 natives against these pests. A problem in disease that has already- 



