236 THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



Notes on Distribution of D. veniistus. 



The frequent capture by the veterinary inspectors of the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture of this species on horses imported into Canada 

 from the infested states to the south of the international boundary 

 indicates a common means of introduction of this species into distant 

 localities in which it may not already occur. Nor is the possibility 

 of the introduction of infected ticks too remote to be refused con- 

 sideration. 



The following notes have been selected from the letters accom- 

 panying specimens of D. venustus: 



"These ticks produce intense irritation and cause those affected to 

 break out in pimples. They are very plentiful all through that district 

 (Ymir, B.C., which is south of Nelson, B.C.) as many as sixty having 

 been removed from the clothing and person of one man after a tramp 

 through the bush. There appears to be no bad fever resulting from 

 this infection." (J. W. Cockle). 



Miss Watts (Wattsburg, B.C.) found the specimens in climbing a 

 mountain and reported that they were rather numerous in 1912, 

 especially near cedar woods. 



S. MacDonald, when sending D. venustus from Cranbrook, B.C., 

 wrote: "I am sending you . . . what is known as 'Wood Tick.' 

 From inquiries several people claim them to be a cause of blood- 

 poisoning, while some even claim they cause spinal meningitis. I can 

 give you a little experience of my own. One got on my boy ten years 

 old and bit him about six inches below the neck, two inches from the 

 spinal centre; it had penetrated under the skin and looked like a 

 blister. I raised the body inserting coal oil which caused it to come 

 out. The common theory is that you cannot pull them out without 

 leaving a part of the head in, which causes the poisoning". 



Dr. Warnock sent specimens some of which were taken from a 

 horse about twenty-five miles south-west of Pincher Creek, Alta. 

 Of other specimens he wrote: "The others, Mr. Riviere, Game 

 Guardian, picked from his clothes while patrolling the mountains. 

 Mr. Riviere informs me he could get many from mountain sheep, 

 goat and deer were it not close season." This was in July, 1912. 



J. H. McClure wrote (July 28th, 1912), "A young lady who works 

 for us took this one off her arm. It was hard at work and was removed 

 with difficulty." 



Economic Importance of D. venustus. 



Inasmuch as this species is responsible for the transmission 

 of the disease known as Rocky Mountain spotted fever which has a 

 high percentage of mortality in the northwestern United States, 

 particularly in the Bitter Root Valley of the State of Montana, its 



