Hagen. ] 118 [November 27, 
the sixteen cases left one gives nothing more than assertion that 
the author observed cases similar to described ones. Werlhof is 
only accepted on Rudolphi’s authority. Concerning the remaining 
ones only four (Tulpius, Ruysoh, Gahrliep, Erisman) seem to be in 
so far less doubtful, as the animals were probably discharged in the 
presence of the physician. In Tulpius’ case the patient and the 
recorder were both prominent physicians. In all other cases the 
patients only affirm that they have discharged the described animals. 
Note. Since the above paper was read, Dr. Cutler has written 
to Mr. Henshaw, that the boy, induced by what Dr. Cutler had told 
him, examined the privy carefully and found several specimens similar 
to the one which he was supposed to have passed, and therefore 
thinks he may have been deceived in the matter. 
The following letter from Dr. Hagen, read at a meeting of 
the Section May 22, 1878, was accidentally omitted from the 
Proceedings of that date. 
“ Last Sunday, May 19, on North Avenue, near Everett St., there 
passed just before the windows of the house of Prof. Hedge, while 
the family was at breakfast, a cloud of flying insects, dark enough to 
draw the attention of the family. They went out of doors and saw 
the cloud coming from the east, a part alighting on the garden steps. 
Some of the insects were preserved alive and sent to me and proved 
to be Termes flavipes. 
“The phenomenon was more remarkable, and their attention more 
strongly called to it, by finding fifteen different kinds of birds follow- 
ing the insects so eagerly that even the presence of the family did not 
disturb them. Besides the common robins, bluebirds and sparrows, 
were others not seen before near the house. The birds caucht the 
‘Termes partly in flight, partly on the ground, and the robins were 
finally so gorged in appearance that their bills stood open ! 
“IT think such a flock of birds following an emigration of white 
ants — which is very common in the tropics — has never been noticed 
here. Perhaps the very early appearance of white ants (com- 
monly they arrive in the middle of June) explains the hunger and 
eager persecution of the birds, as other insects are still rare.”’ 
