1895.] Entomology. 681 
same parasite and emphasizes the dangerous nature of it when present 
in man. Inthe East (Japan, Formosa, etc.) it occurs in a large per- 
centage of the population. A third paper* records the presence of 
Distomum felinum in the cats sacrificed to science in the University 
of Nebraska. Inthis paper, Dr. Ward discusses the value of measure- 
ments and concludes that they are of little value; “the topographical 
relations alone are fixed and hence are the only points on which spe- 
cies may be founded.” 
ProrocHorpaATa.—A species of Enteropneustan has been discov- 
ered upon the shores of New South Wales. It is described by its finder, 
J. P. Hill, under the name Ptychodera australiensis (Proc. Linn. Soc. 
N.S. Wales, Nov. 28, 1894). 
ENTOMOLOGY: 
Distribution of Injurious Insects.—In an interesting paper 
upon this subject before the Entomological Society of Washington, Mr. 
L. O. Howard said: “ It is reasonable to suppose that in many cases 
insects will be unable to follow their food-plants to the limits of their 
possible range, notwithstanding the fact that the geographical distribu- 
tion of animals and plants is governed by the same general laws of 
temperature, humidity, exposure, and geological characteristics. The 
obvious reason for this is, that purely artificial features are introduced 
in cultivating plants, varieties are propagated which develop resistant 
powers lacking in the parent stock ; seeds, in the case of annuals, are 
carefully collected and selected, the soil is prepared for their reception, 
and is artificially fertilized ; while with perennials the same general 
care is taken. It follows, therefore, that the natural range of cultivated 
species is widely extended in every direction, and in the teeth of the 
very barriers which naturally would have held them rigidly in check. 
Plant-feeding insects in general follow the natural distribution of their 
specific food. Experience has shown that as this natural food becomes 
a cultivated crop they increase. As the cultivation of the crop is spread 
along natural lines of distribution, they follow it. When, however, by 
t Veterinary Magazine, 1895. 
1 Edited by Clarence M. Weed, New Hampshire College, Durham, N. H. 
