ZOOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION AND HABITAT. 



The Animal Kingdom is divided into several sub-kingdoms. 

 One of these is called Worms (Vermes). This sub-kingdom is 

 separated into classes, one of which is named Round Worms 

 (Ncmatliclminths). Another division into orders is made, among 

 which are the Nematode Worms (Nematodes). This order con- 

 tains, among other genera, that of Syngamus, which is repre- 

 sented by two species, Syngamus bronchialis and Syngamus 

 trachcalis, the last of which is the subject of our present work.* 



Another name for this worm is Sclcrostoma, or Strongylus 

 syngamus. Syngamus trachcalis is stated to have been found in 

 the trachea of the turkey, domestic fowl, pheasant, partridge, 

 black stork, magpie, hooded crow, green woodpecker and star- 

 ling. I have, myself, found it in the robin, and believe most if 



not all worm-eating birds serve as a host for this parasite. 

 ■* 

 HISTORICAL REFERENCE. 



The first public record of the Gapes was made by Dr. Wiesen- 

 thall, Professor of Anatomy at Baltimore, Md. In a communica- 

 tion dated May 21st, < 1797, and published in the Medical and 

 Physical Journal in 1799, he says: "There is a disease prevalent 

 among the gallinaceous poultry in this country called the gapes, 

 which destroys eight-tenths of our fowls in many parts, and is 

 most prevalent among young turkeys and chickens bred upon 

 established farms. Chicks and poults, in a few days after they 

 are hatched, are frequently found to open wide their mouths 

 and gasp for breath, at the same time sneezing and attempting 

 to swallow. At first the affection is slight, but gradually becomes 

 more and more oppressive, and ultimately destroys; very few 

 recover; they languish, grow dispirited, droop and die. It is 

 generally known that these symptoms are occasioned by worms 

 in the trachea. I have seen the whole windpipe completely filled 

 with these worms, and have been astonished at the animal's being 

 capable of respiration under such circumstances." The above 

 is a truthful description of the disease as it prevails in this coun- 

 try to-day. In 1808, Mr. George Montagu gave an account to 

 the Wernerian Society of a species of Fasciola. which infests 

 the trachea of poultry, with a mode of cure. This led to its being 

 noticed in the systematic works of the day. Dr. Cobbold, from 



•The aame of the genus Syngamus is derived from two Greet words, o » 0, with, together, 



andy«uo«, marriage, and 1ms icl'ercnee In the peculiar union of the sexes. 



