RESEARCH IN BRITISH WEST AFRICA. 233 
If ticks are roughly removed, an important part—the “ false head ’—will be 
left behind, embedded in the host’s skin, and the specimen spoiled. They may 
best be removed with a flat-nosed forceps, care being taken to grip the “ false 
head” as close to the skin of the host as possible. If the creatures will not come 
away without breaking, they may be induced to let go by touching them with a 
brush or finger dipped in any oil. Headless examples are useless for study. The 
minute larvae (“ seed ticks”) may be removed with the blade of a knife and are 
best scraped direct into the tube. 
All parasites from one species of animal from one locality and taken on the 
same day may be placed together in the same tube, but care must be taken not 
to mix the parasites of different animals (¢.g., sheep and cattle) though from the 
same place. specially is it important to keep parasites from different localities 
separate. 
Kiiuiine.—To kill ticks it is necessary only to drop them direct into the 
preservative. If the species are very active, they may be touched with a camel’s 
hair brush moistened with chloroform or ammonia. When conditions are 
favourable, a good way to kill ticks is to drop them into 25 per cent. alcohol, to 
which 2 or 3 drops of ether have been added. The ticks then die with their 
limbs extended, and can afterwards be transferred to the proper preservative. 
PRESERVATIVES.—It is preferable that ticks should always be preserved in 
liquids. Hither of the following may be used: (a) 65 per cent. rectified spirit ; 
if this is not procurable, undiluted whisky or gin may be substituted, though 
much less satisfactory ; (4) 3 per cent. solution of formalin; care must be taken 
that the solution is not made stronger, as it would then render the specimens too 
hard and brittle. When plenty of material is available, both methods of preser- 
vation should be used. 
LABELLING.— Write levibly on a slip of good white paper: (1) name of host, 
or a number corresponding with one on the skin of host, if the latter is sent home 
for determination ; (2) locality in full, not omitting the Colony or Protectorate, 
and in the case of farms or native villages, giving the approximate distance from 
the nearest well-known township, mountain, river, &c.; (3) altitude; (4) full 
date; (5) name of collector. Writing is best done with a fairly soft black 
graphite pencil. The label thus prepared should be placed inside the tube with 
the specimens. If ordinary writing ink is used the label must be attached to 
the outside of the tube. When it is desired to send fuller notes concerning 
certain species, take a piece of soft tissue paper, write a number on it in pencil, 
then fold up several specimens of one species in it: the paper should be folded 
over a good many times, and its final size should be such that it fits tightly into 
the tube and cannot become unfolded in transit. Under a similar number an 
account can be sent home of the habits, &c., of the species. In the case of 
distinctively coloured species, the colours should be noted during life and duly 
recorded. Any notes on habits, distribution, frequency, &c., would be greatly 
appreciated. 
PackING.—See that the corks of the tubes are well rammed home. Reject 
all defective corks. When the tubes are being finally closed, a lightly crumpled 
piece of soft paper may be inserted to prevent the specimens moving about too 
much. The tubes should also be quite filled up with the preservative. A large 
