OF THE MALTESE ISLANDS. y5) 
practically all observers of their habits informed me that they occur most freely 
and are most troublesome during the hot, dry months of the year. It is 
highly probable that successive broods are produced during the summer months, 
but as the larval stage occupies apparently a long period, the successive 
generations can be produced only at extended intervals. 
As to whether the larve occur most frequently during the summer remains to 
be seen. It is my impression, however, that they may be found more abundantly 
in autumn and winter than at any other season, and careful search should be 
made for them a week or so after the adults have disappeared. 
PROPHYLACTIC MEASURES. 
In consideration of the facts which have so far been brought to light regarding 
the economy of Phlebotomus, it is clearly evident that the task of suppressing 
these insects is an almost insurmountable one. Had we to deal with insects as 
large and as accessible as mosquitos, the adoption of prophylactic measures 
would be comparatively easy, but owing to the extremely minute size and almost 
flea-like habits of the adult insects, and the enormous area over which the 
breeding-places may occur, we are faced with a problem which is most difficult 
of solution. 
As I was unable to devote any time to experimental work bearing upon the 
control of these pests, the only course open to me now is to suggest a few 
measures which may ameliorate the existing conditions and lead to a reduction 
of the malady of which these insects are transmitting agents. It seems to me, 
however, that the only practical way of grappling with this question is to 
proceed tentatively at first, and although I have discussed an extensive field of 
operations which may be directed against these insects, | would pin my faith 
rather to some of those measures which are considered under the following 
headings. But in the first instance it must be borne in mind that precautions 
against the bites of blood-sucking insects, though feasible to intelligent and 
well-to-do persons, are not as a rule employed by the mass of the people. Yet 
any prophylactic measures which are calculated to diminish the infection, even 
in a small degree, should be seriously and persistently employed. 
Repellents.—1 had no opportunity of demonstrating the value of these by 
experiment owing to my immunity from the bites of these insects, but I was 
assured that several good formule were in general use, though proprietary 
preparations were rarely employed. Judging by the testimony of those who 
had used such deterrents, one of the best was that which was prescribed by 
Major Crawford, R.A.M.C., and I am extremely indebted to him for giving me 
permission to embody it in this report. It is composed of the following 
ingredients :— 
OL. Anisi, 3 grs. 
Ol. Eucalypti, 3 grs. 
Ol. Terebenth, 3 gers. 
Ung. Acid Borac. 
Spraying with repellents—The least objectionable of these, and at the same 
time one of the most effective, is formol or formaldehyde. ‘he dark portions 
