August, 1932 The Queensland Naturalist 
47 
considerably, for some spend the whole of their parasitic 
life on one host, while others require a number of hosts. A 
large number of egg's is laid, but only a, small proportion 
of the larval or “seed” tick which emerge succeed in find- 
ing a host. They feed on the blood of their host by means 
of a toothed rostrum which is inserted into the skin. When 
collecting specimens the greatest care should be taken to 
a, void breaking this rostrum, for the recurved teeth make 
its withdrawal difficult. Specimens of varying size should 
be collected, for the males are much smaller than the 
females, and may be overlooked. 
When collected, specimens should be preserved in 
small tubes of 70 per cent, alcohol, in which they will keep 
indefinitely. For purpose, of study they should be mount- 
ed on microscope slides. 1 will be only too pleased to send 
a few collecting tubes to any member who would be so kind 
as to collect specimens for me. The name of the host, the 
locality and date of collection should be written on a small 
slip of paper in pencil, and inserted in the tube with the 
specimens. Any parasites of domestic animals and birds 
will be especial lv welcome. 
F. A. PERKINS, 
Fniversity, Brisbane. 
ORIGIN OF LIFE : A THEORY. 
At a meeting of the Royal Society of Queensland, 
held on 25th July, Mr. W. D. Francis read a paper entitled 
“The Production of Protein from Inorganic Mater al : 
Evidence suggestive of the Generation of Life.” Iron, 
mostly in the form of wire, was suspended in a very dilute 
solution containing ammonium sulphate, potassium 
chloride, magnesium sulphate, potassium phosphate and 
calcium nitrate. After the lapse of several days the ferru- 
ginous material adhering to the iron wire was found to 
contain protein bodies of microscopic size. Precaul ions 
were taken to ensure sterilisation. The protein bodies 
were not produced when the air was freed of carbon di- 
oxide. It is suggested that life may be generated from 
mineral compounds in a reduced state in the rocks and 
soils of the earth. The oxidation and hydration of ferrous 
hydroxide, on account of the special properties of this 
compound, are particularly mentioned as a possible start- 
ing point for the evolution of life. 
The full paper will be published in the Proceedings 
of the Society. 
