﻿RESEARCH IN BRITISH WEST AFRICA. 139 



From what has been said, it will be seen that such investigations can be 

 effected only by those stationed for a considerable time in one place, and further, 

 that it is important that these observations should be made at as many places 

 as possible and continuously throughout the different seasons. Consequently, it 

 has been the aim of the Committee to stimulate interest in this work and to 

 help to overcome the difficulties which confronted many who had previously 

 directed considerable attention to this subject. 



Instructions and apparatus for collecting were distributed to the various 

 stations ; collections made in these districts were identified and the names of the 

 various species sent to the different collectors, along with named specimens where 

 desired, so that it is hoped that eventually in each station there will be a named 

 collection of all the economic insects found in the district. The Bulletin serves 

 as a medium for recording observations, and any notes or papers, however short, 

 bearing on any aspect of economic entomology are published therein. 



A proof of the results of the endeavours of the Committee in this work may 

 be gathered from the number of volunteer workers whose names occur in previous 

 issues of the Bulletin and in this report, and it must be remembered that this 

 work is carried on in spare time after multifarious and ardous duties, often under 

 very trying conditions, and consequently reflects the greatest credit on those men 

 who are thus labouring in the interests of humanity. It is hoped, however, that 

 many who at present are accumulating important observations will give the 

 results of their work more concrete form, in short papers, for the benefit of others 

 interested. 



The main object of the writer in order to further this investigation in Southern 

 Nigeria was, therefore, to make as extended a tour as possible, visit the various 

 stations, and so come in contact with those already interested in such work, or, 

 by explaining the aims and methods of the Committee, to secure the co-operation 

 of those who might be persuaded to aid in the scheme. Consequently, it was 

 impossible for the writer to do any actual experimental work or devote any time 

 to the study of life-histories or such-like investigations in any special locality. 



The report must, therefore, be considered as a general geographical survey, and 

 taken with other notes and papers published dealing with Southern Nigeria, forms 

 a resume of recent work. Further, it is hoped that it may serve to show not how 

 much, but how little, is known of this aspect of the subject. Considerable col- 

 lecting was done, and these records are incorporated along with those of other 

 officials who have from time to time sent specimens from different localities. 

 The arrangement followed is, to a certain extent, different from that adopted in my 

 previous reports on the Gambia * and Northern Nigeria.! I have altogether 

 disregarded the order in which the various parts of the colony were visited, and 

 have considered the region from a general geographical aspect. The route 

 followed is, however, shown on the map which accompanies the report. 



The greatest stress has been laid on the factors which influence the distribution 

 of the various species of blood-sucking insects, and in this connection the general 



* Bull. Ent. Res II, pt. 3, pp. 187-239. f Bull. Ent. Res. IT, pt. 4, pp. 301-356. 



