﻿research in British west Africa. i67 



region, but while at If on 1 saw several, though unfortunately was unable to 

 secure specimens for identification. It is more than probable, however, that 

 these were Glossina longipalpis, but they may have been G. submorsitans* 



Two large rivers, the Owon and the Ovia and several small streams were 

 crossed between Owo and Ifon, but no tsetse were seen at any of the fords. The 

 only blood-sucking insect so far recorded from Ifon is Tabanus besti caught by 

 Dr. K. W. Gray in December, 1910. 



The most noteworthy feature in this district is the presence of large herds of a 

 dwarf variety of cattle, which, according to native evidence, supported by a low 

 rate of mortality, seems to be immune from trypanosomiasis. Throughout 

 Northern Nigeria and in the parts of Southern Nigeria where cattle are found 

 the predominant variety is of the Indian zebu type, usually white, with a large 

 dorsal hump (PI. II). A second variety, with a straight back, is also to be seen 

 but in smaller numbers. These are all very susceptible to trypanosomiasis and 

 readily succumb when introduced into a tsetse region. In the districts of Ondo, 

 Ilesha, Ifon, Ishan in Southern Nigeria, and in the Kabba and Bassa Provinces 

 of Northern Nigeria, all forested regions and tsetse habitats, this peculiar dwarf ed 

 variety with short legs may be seen in numbers. Their appearance is remarkable. 

 The predominant colours are black and white, black, and, more rarely, brownish ; 

 there is no dorsal hump, and the forequarters are generally lower than the hind. 

 The accompanying photograph (PI. Ill) was taken by Mr. Sciortino, Assistant 

 Resident in the Kabba Province, and gives a good idea of the build of these 

 animals. Although this variety thrives well in the regions named, animals of 

 either of the other types, immediately after being introduced, develop trypano- 

 somiasis and die. 



The goats in these districts are also short-legged and diminutive, and a dwarf 

 variety of horse is said to be bred for use at Ondo. Imported horses at once 

 succumb to trypanosomiasis. 



Benin. — The country around Benin City, a very old and important town, is 

 gently undulating, with a gradual slope to the sea. It is intersected by deep 

 valleys, in each of which runs a small stream or river. Where not cultivated, 

 the country is covered with a dense evergreen forest. The waterways connecting 

 this region with the delta are very important, and, as they have a marked influ- 

 ence on the fauna, deserve some mention here. The Osiomo River (the lower 

 part of which is known as the Olagi Creek), running into the Benin River below 

 Koko Town, is fed by several branches, the Ogba, Ikpoba, Ohuma and Ohe 

 Rivers. The Osiomo itself is navigable to Ologbo, about half-way between 

 Benin City and Sapele, by launch, thence up to the Ikpoba by canoes to within 

 2\ miles of Benin City. The Ogba River is navigable by launch to Ogwosala, 

 thence by canoe to Irishi, which is only four miles from Benin City. Sapoba is 

 reached by launch on the Jameson River. The Ovia is navigable to a short 

 distance below Ikoru for launches, and to a little below Grilli-Gilli for vessels 

 drawing 12 to 13 feet. 



[* Mr. J. H. J. Farquhar has sent G. palpalis from Owo and Afuge in the Ifon District, ana 

 G. longipalpis from Ifon itself ; while Chrysops dimidiata was obtained by him at Ojalla. 

 These insects were taken in February and March, 1912. — Ed.] 



