56 R. NEWSTEAD—THE PAPATACI FLIES (PHLEBOTOMUS) 
masonry from the foundation to the topmost course or layer ; and if the old wal. 
could be substituted by any other form of boundary, so much the better. 
There are also other kinds of walls which may have to be dealt with, and 
these are they which form the old bastions and other extensive fortifications at 
Cottonera and elsewhere. In cases where such structures are backed with 
rubble and finally protected with loose rock, it would be a comparatively easy 
task to prevent the egress of the flies through such loose material by breaking or 
pulverising it, or by covering it with soil; but unfortunately the question of 
pointing the Ashlar work forming the facings of the bastions and curtains 
presents not only a serious financial difficulty, but a task which could be 
accomplished only by a huge army of men ; and in consideration of these facts it 
seems to me that in the present stage of our inquiry such a method of procedure 
would be extremely unwise and irrational. For the time being, therefore, | 
should strongly advise that in selecting the experimental area a site should be 
chosen which is as remote from the old fortifications or similar structures as is 
possible. 
Though there is no evidence which will lead us to believe that Papataci flies 
breed in the cellars and drains in Malta, at the same time we must not lose sight 
of the fact that Grassi (3), as has already been stated, has found larvae of 
P. papatasti in such places. It is highly probable, therefore, that tlis species 
breeds in similar habitats in Malta also ; but it is impossible without more study 
to make any definite statement on the point. Taking all the facts into considera- 
tion, therefore, I consider that the only really practical prophylactic measures 
which can at present be taken are those which are considered as precautionary 
against the bites of these insects. It is perfectly obvious moreover, that any 
operations which will not bring about an almost complete destruction of the 
breeding-grounds are not likely to make an appreciable reduction in the numbers 
of these insects. 
Synonomy, AFFINITIES AND MORPHOLOGY OF THE GENUS 
PHLEBOTOMUS. 
Though the differential characters of this genus have been given by several 
authors, and Grassi (3) has published an elaborate memoir on the morpholog 
and biology of Phlebotomus papatasii, | consider that this report would be incom- 
plete without giving some details concerning the morphology of these insects ; 
all the more so because Grassi’s paper, in Italian, is now very difficult to obtain 
and also a very costly publication, in fact the price (£1 10s.) for so small a work, 
is practically prohibitive, and certainly not within the reach of students in 
general. 
I do not claim, however, to treat of this phase of the subject in an exhaustive 
way, but rather to point out the salient characters of these insects in a measure 
that, may be helpful both to the medical profession and to the zoologist. 
The genus Phlehotomus was established by Rondani in 1840, though the species 
for which it was founded had been placed by various authorities in other genera, 
such as, Bihio (Scopoli, 1786), Musca (Gmelin, 1788-1793), Ciniphes (Costa, 
1840). But as Rondani’s name is now generally accepted, one need not go into 
