102 ACCOUNTS, ETC., OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 



chains, in order to carry the specimens of sharks and other 

 large fishes which hitherto have stood on pillars and tables, 

 and have thus occupied more of the floor-space than can 

 conveniently be allotted to them. 



Economic Zoology. 



The arrangement made in the year 1900 for assistance in 

 advising the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries on questions 

 of Economic Zoology has been discontinued. 



Economic work has, however, been carried on at the 

 Museum, and during the year numerous questions have been 

 received in connection with this section, most of them having 

 reference to insects. Medical men in various parts of the 

 world have been endeavouring to ascertain the connection 

 between diseases and insects. This has led to much corre- 

 spondence, and many specimens, chiefly fleas, mosquitoes, 

 and other Diptera, have been sent for determination, as the 

 correct identification of the insect is of great importance. 



The following are some of the subjects of inquiry during 

 the year : — 

 (1.) Inquiry respecting horse-sickness in W. Africa in 

 connection with the Tsetse-fly, and Forest-fly, 

 Hi'ppohosca. Other inquiries as to the Tsetse-fly 

 causing sleeping-sickness, and as to the identity of 

 the species. 



(2.) A question as to the necessity of isolating horses in 

 Ireland supposed to be suff'ering from sarcoptic 

 mange. 



(3.) Various larvse of Diptera taken from patients by 

 medical men were sent for identification and advice. 



(4.) Inquiry as to the best method of preventing flies that 

 might spread disease breeding in filth trenches in 

 India. 



(5.) Identity of larvse of Diptera found in water supply. 



The following have reference to pests in houses, gardens, 

 and in connection with agriculture : — 



(C.) Inquiries from Kent, Suff*olk (Felixstowe), and other 

 places, respecting the injury done to Black-currant 

 by the Black-currant Mite, EriG'phyes ribis, which 

 is spreading in the country, probably by means of 

 infested cuttings. 



(7.) Advice asfced as to the best method of destroying 

 myriads of a small Acarus, which was causing serious 

 injury in some mushroom beds at Brentford. 



