152 



AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE HABITS AND DISTRIBUTION 

 OF THE OATTLE TSETSE FLIES (GLOSSIJS^A). 



Since the middle o£ the last century numerous travellers have given more or 

 less detailed, though often conflicting, accounts of Glossina morsitans and its 

 habits, but hitherto it has not been studied on any system, nor have we the 

 accounts of men who have been long resident in one spot. Though it is 

 generally accepted that this fly is one of the greatest enemies to farmers and 

 stock-raisers in South Africa, we have at present no practicable method of 

 dealing with it. Our helplessness in this regard is due to ignorance, 

 ignorance which it is the task of all persons interested to dispel. It is hoped 

 by the dissemination of a series of specific questions to obtain specific 

 answers in such number that a foundation of accurate knowledge may be 

 laid, and that eventually it may be possible to devise cheap and effective 

 means of exterminating the fly in important areas. Those who answer these 

 questions should observe the following precautions : — 



The answers should be concise and to the point, and should be distinguished 

 by numbers corresponding with those of the questions to which they refer. 



Names and places which can be verified, and dates, should be given. 



Any information beyond the scope of the questions should be added in an 

 Appendix. 



If the reporter is in doubt as to the species of tsetse, or whether more 

 than one is present, specimens should be sent with the replies. 



He should in no case rely on native evidence. 



The longer the reporter has been resident in or near the fly-area the more 

 weight will his evidence carry. 



The answers should be written on one side of the paper only. 



1. Are you resident in, or near, a fly-area ? In the latter case how far 

 are you distant from the nearest point of the area ? 



2. How long have you been resident in the vicinity ? 



3. Can you state approximately the size of the fly-area ? (Give a sketch- 

 map, if possible.) 



4. Has this area appreciably increased or diminished in your own 

 -experience ? 



5. If so, can you state the date at which these alterations took place, and 

 the nature of the climatic conditions at the time? 



6. Was there any appreciable increase or diminution of wild animals about 

 that time ? 



