DR. T. S. COBBOLD ON PARASITES OF ELEPHANTS. 333 



The Parasites o£ Elephants. By T. Spencer Cobbold, M.D., 

 F.B.S., F.L.S., Foreign Mem. Boy. Agric. Acad. Turin. 



[Eead April 7, 1881. Abstract.] 



This contribution, which will be published in the Society's 

 * Transactions,' with appropriate illustrations, deals with four- 

 teen species, of which twelve are entozoal. The first recorded 

 (Ascaris lonchoptera) was taken from a captive animal destroyed 

 at Geneva on account of madness. Two species were described 

 by the late Dr. Baird, but some remarkable peculiarities of 

 structure in Sclerostoma sipunculiforme and S. clathratum had 

 been overlooked. Four new Nematodes are added (Strongylus 

 foliatus, S. falcifer, Dochmius Sangeri, and Filaria Smithii). The 

 last species and one of the Strongyles were found in singular 

 growths or abodes formed within the walls of the elephant's 

 stomach. Three new species of Amphistoma {A. Hawkesii, A. 

 ornatum, and A. papillatwm) are described. In the fresh state 

 these beautiful little parasites are transparent and of a bright 

 pink colour. Many new particulars are given in respect of the 

 fluke {Fasciola Jacksoni) described to the Society in 1869. The 

 larval state of Gastrophilus elepliantis is also fully noticed. 

 Specimens of this ' hot ' were exhibited from an African elephant 

 shot by Dr. Kirk. Remarks were also made respecting the 

 curious parasitic ova observed by Mr. Sclater and Prof. Flower 

 on tusks now preserved in the Museum of the Boyal College o£ 

 Surgeons. After referring to Hcematomyzus and Homopus of 

 Piaget and Megnin respectively, the paper concluded with a 

 record of facts pointing to the destructive effects of the flukes, 

 roundworms, and Amphistomes. The epidemic affecting Sanger's 

 performing elephants was attributable to this cause. 



LINN. JOURN. — ZOOLOGY, YOL. XY. 27 



