9 
examined for ecto- and endo-parasites, and blood-smear slides were taken 
from several hundred specimens, in continuation of work done by Dr. 
Clarke during previous years in Ontario in study of parasites in con- 
nexion with animal diseases and fluctuations in populations of wild mammal 
and bird species. 
Dr. Clarke spent the winter of 1935-36 working up the results of his 
studies of animal parasites in the laboratories of the Department of 
Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Toronto. 
From a distributional standpoint the most important feature was 
obtaining what are apparently the first authentic specimens of Michigan 
beaver ( Castor canadensis michiganensis) , Great Lakes water shrew 
(Sorex palustris hydrobadistes) , and black-nosed jumping mouse {Napaeo- 
zapus insignis frutectanus) in Canada. Another interesting result was 
demonstrating the occurrence of Brewer mole ( Parascalops breweri ) at least 
150 miles farther west than heretofore known. The yellow-cheeked rock 
vole ( Microtus chrotorrhinus chrotorrhinus ) was also found in very 
restricted localities. 
Although considerable collecting of terrestrial species has been done 
on the southern half of Vancouver island, B.C., large sections of the 
coast and interior of the northern half of this great island have never 
been intensively worked by mammalogists and ornithologists. Mr. 
Hamilton M. Laing, of Comox, B.C., who had carried on field work for 
the National Museum of Canada during many seasons in the past, was 
engaged to make collections at suitable points in this area, with Mr. 
Kenneth Racey and Mr. Robert E. Luscher of Vancouver as assistants. 
The party started from Comox, July 14, and established Camp I, 
July 15 to 31, at the lower end of upper Campbell lake, elevation 635 feet. In 
this region extensive logging operations and subsequent forest fires have 
virtually denuded the land of its former stands of mighty timber from 
coast to foothills. New plants have taken possession, birds that like the 
light have come in, and original forms that like the conifers have departed. 
On extensive burns most forms of mammalian life are wiped out, and 
although the regions are becoming repopulated, some species may not 
come back. Mammals and birds have seldom faced more drastically 
changed conditions. Camp II, Snake lake, elevation 1,000 feet, was 
occupied by Laing alone July 19 to 24. Camp III, upper end of upper 
Campbell lake, by Laing and Racey July 25 to 31. Camp IV, Brooklyn 
creek, near Comox, by Laing August 2 to 5. Camp V, Sayward, at sea- 
level, August 7 to 20, w T as worked by all three men; and Cormorant 
island, Alert bay, was visited August 20 to 21. Camp VI was established 
near Port Hardy, Hardy bay, August 21, and occupied until September 4. 
A change in the forest was noted here, with much virgin timber of Amabilis 
fir, western hemlock, and cedar, mixed with Sitka spruce. The Douglas 
fir had reached its northern limit on the east coast here, and was only 
found on warm, sheltered points. Salmonberry and salal formed dense 
jungles. August 27 to September 2, Laing made a collecting trip over the 
road to Coal harbour on the west coast. Camp VII was at Shushartie, 
northeast end of Vancouver island, September 5 to 12. The settlement 
is small, climate damp and cold, and coast rocky, so that agricultural 
development is slight. Camp was moved by boat via Pine island and 
Fisherman bay to cape Scott, northwest corner of Vancouver island, 
