JUN24 1920 



NOTES AND COMMENTS. 



°u u j MviS^ 



BIOLOGY OF WATERWORKS. 



The British Museum (Natural History) has issued a hand- 

 book entitled ' The Biology of Waterworks,'* by R. Kirk- 

 patrick. It deals with the purity of water supplies as affecting 

 plant and animal life, and contains many useful hints of 

 service to those interested in the subject. There are several 

 illustrations, one of which we are permitted to reproduce 

 it explains itself. 



Water-meter Strainer clogged with branches of Polyzoa (two species) ; 

 and new strainer, on the left, for comparison. 



FAUNA AND FLORA OF WATER PIPES. 



From the handbook we learn that : ' It has been proved 

 by sad experience, in this country and abroad, that in a 

 water-supply which is not protected by adequate filtration 

 microscopic organisms such as Diatoms gain access to the pipes, 

 and can there serve as food for animals which depend on this 

 kind of nutriment. The chance introduction of a few 

 " statoblasts," " gemmules," or other reproductive bodies may 

 then be followed by the establishment of corresponding growths 

 of Polyzoa, Sponges, or other animals on the walls of the 

 water-pipes. Here they find a congenial home, sheltered from 



* Economic Series, No. 7, 58 pp., 1/- 



1917 Nov. 1. 



