215 



observed to breed in large numbers in the immediate presence of 

 their enemies. The clearing of jungle has been a factor in the reduction 

 of malaria in some parts of the Archipelago. A preliminary survey 

 should be undertaken when new territory is to be opened up. (^nnme 

 prophylaxis is generally considered advisable only as a temporary 

 measure, or, in an intensely malarious region, as a remedy where 

 permanent antimalarial measures are impracticable. 



Lyon (H.). Notes on the Cat Flea {Ctenocephahs felis, Bouch6).— 

 Psyche, Boston, Mass., xxii, no. 4, August 1915, pp. 124-132, 

 2 figs., 1 plate, 2 tables. 



The observations contained in this paper were made in connection 

 with some attempts to devise a method for the propagation of fleas 

 to be used for experimental purposes and relate primarily to the 

 seasonal abundance of the flea. The monthly average varied from 

 1-08 to 10-05, the greatest number being found in July. A possible 

 etiological connection between fleas and poliomyelitis or infantile 

 paralysis has been suggested, but some investigators have not been 

 able to harmonise the "persistence of fleas through the winter with 

 the very slight incidence of poliomyelitis during this part of the year. 

 The data here recorded show that in a climate like that of New 

 England the seasonal prevalence of these insects agrees in some 

 respects with the seasonal incidence of the disease. 



The adult fleas obtained after each combing could not be kept alive 

 in the laboratory for more than 5 days. Two cats infested with fleas 

 were therefore kept in the insectary and eggs were obtained from 

 their sleeping-places. The eggs with the debris from the beds were 

 put in Petri dishes and these were placed in small jars, one-third full 

 of water. The jar was covered and placed out of the direct sunlight 

 at the room temperature. Floor sweepings and dried_ blood were 

 occasionally added. Moisture was found to be essential for good 

 results. The life-cycle, from egg to imago, was completed in from 

 13 to 33 days. The egg-stage lasted 2 to 8 days, the larval 7 to 18 days, 

 and the pupal 2 to 14 days. Observations on the anatomy of the 

 larva are appended. 



Lyox (H.). Does the House-fly hibernate as a Pupa %— Psyche, Boston, 

 Mass., xxii, no. 4, August 1915, pp. 140-141. 



The following experiments were performed during the winter to 

 determine whether it was possible for the house-fly to hibernate in the 

 pupal stage. Thirty-seven lots, each consisting of 100 pupae, were 

 buried in wet and dry sand, loam, horse manure and leaf mould. The 

 containers were placed, some out of doors in sheltered and exposed 

 positions, others under greenhouse conditions, and others in a 

 basement. The experiments were begun on 19tli October 1914 ; flies 

 continued to emerge until December from the jars stored in the base- 

 ment, where the temperature was about 60° F. throughout the winter. 

 The majoritv emerged from wet and dry manure and wet sand. In 

 the greenhouse, 364 adults emerged from 1,100 pupae, the largest 

 number coming from wet manure and dry sand. The last adult 

 emerged on 24th November. No adults emerged oat of doors, where 



