TERMITES (WHITE ANTS). 



131 



Summarising the existing knowledge of the Termitidse, Dr. Sharp reports that 

 the number of described species does not exceed a hundred, and that very probably 

 there are as many as one thousand in existence. Australia, while yielding probably 

 for its area the largest and most diversified variety of specific forms and the 

 most remarkable architectural modifications of termite habitations, has, so far, been 

 practically neglected by scientific specialists, and consequently offers a most rich and 

 almost virgin field to the Termitologist. It is hoped by the writer that the data 

 concerning the more noteworthy habits and fabrications of this insect group embodied 

 in this Chapter, will prove a stimulus to readers residing in tropical Australian 

 districts to devote some attention to the study of such varieties as may be peculiar 

 to their neighbourhoods. By so doing, and by combining with their recorded notes 

 the conservation in alcohol or, possibly, more readily accessible whisky, of specimen 

 samples of the variously modified individuals found in each specific form of mound or 

 subterranean gallery, they will render valuable service to science. While assisting 

 science they will also gain to themselves that newer interest and zest in life which 

 is so often wanting to the isolated Australian settler. For the frequently enforced 

 monotony of such a calling there is no panacea so sure as an intelligently bestridden 

 natural history hobby. 



W. Sacille-Kmt del. 

 Trirliiiytj>lia Leiiiyi, S.-Ji., INFUSORIAL PARASITES OF THF, TASMANIAN WHITE ANT, EXHIBITING DIVERSE PROTEAN MODIFICATIONS. 



MAGNIFIED 600 DIAMETERS. p. 127. 



