224 



The relative humidity of the atmosphere is an important factor in 

 the biology of A. macvli]:ennis ; in dry surroundings they rapidly die. 

 In nature the females feed on blood only, though there are some 

 exceedingly rare exceptions to this rule where fruit juices have been 

 taken. 



Experiments seem to show that A. maculipennis leaves occupied 

 buildings only at dusk, and once this time is passed, it ceases to attempt- 

 to do so. At dusk it enters in large numbers, but isolated arrivals 

 also occur during the night. By closing a building at dusk and then 

 opening it there would be a possibility of imprisoning a number of 

 individuals. It is owing to this need for food and shelter that 

 A. maculipennis is essentially a domestic species. 



Adults that were released for the purpose of determining the flight- 

 distance were re-taken in large numbers at short distances up to J 

 mile ; at distances of about 1 mile and 1| miles very few specimens- 

 were recaptured. 



Theoretically, the complete destruction of all hibernating specimens 

 should cause the insect to disappear. This result has been obtained 

 in some places in Germany as regards Culex, but it is doubtfid whether 

 it is possible with Anophelines, which are more dispersed. Measures 

 against the hibernating adults are useful in eliminating the infections 

 of late autumn and winter, and in reducing the number of the 

 first larvae and first winged generations, thus reducing the sudden 

 rise in cases due to the second generation that opens the malaria 

 season. The rapid development of the epidemic in July is due to the 

 marked increase of Anophelines in June. 



In conclusion the author urges that specific, intense campaigns 

 against malaria in Italy will in many cases cause the latter to disappear, 

 and thus render agriculture possible. At present public opinion 

 seems satisfied with the view that the progress of agriculture will lead 

 to the disappearance of the disease. 



Gelleet (H. H.). Some Aspects of Typhus Fever in Transcaucasia, 

 especially with regard to the Protective Measures against Lice- 

 borne Disease. — Jl. R.N. M.S., London, vi, no. 4, October 1920, 

 pp. 389-399, 2 figs. 



The clinical features and management of typhus fever are discussed^ 

 and the particular conditions arising through lack of sanitation in 

 the Caucasus are described. Measures for the prevention of louse- 

 borne diseases include attention to general hygiene and thorough disin- 

 fection of individuals, clothing, etc. Bedding and clothes were 

 disinfected by means of steam with or without the addition of cresol,. 

 for which purpose a very simple apparatus was erected, the mechanism 

 of which is described and illustrated. 



Seguy (E.). Les Moustiques de France. — Bull. Mus. National HisL 

 Nat., Paris, 1920, nos. 1 & 2, pp. 51-58 & 141-147, 8 figs. 



Tables are given to facilitate the identification of mosquitos found 

 in France. 



