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THE AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST. 171 
should be sent with the tube. A number corresponding to 
-one on the host should be attached to the tube. Skins of 
hosts sent for identification only will, if desired, always be 
returned. If it is impossible to send the host, the name 
-of the person possesing it should be given, in order to apply 
te him for the name. ach tube should contain the fleas 
from one host only. A good method of recording data is a 
label written in pencil and put inside the tube. Large 
mammals cannot well be treated with chloroform or benzine. 
If the hair of these, however, be turned back shortly after 
death, the live fleas will be seen running about. These can 
‘be killed by touching them with a brush moistened with 
‘spirit, chloroform, or benzine.. 
Small mammals can be treated in the same manner as 
Jarge ones, if the first method is found to be too cumbrous. 
Another very good way to catch fleas living on mice and 
other small mammals, is to place the live mouse in a bag. 
“The animal should then be killed by breaking its neck from 
outside of the bag, and searched in the manner previously 
-explained. Traps should only be used in which the mice — 
are caught adzve. Bats, rodents, and small mammals 
-generally, are all good hosts. As many specimens as possible 
should be sent, there frequently being several species of flea 
-on one host. 
FLEAS IN Brrps’ NEs’s. 
Take the nests of birds as soon as the young have left 
‘them. Place the nest in a box, preferably one lined with 
white paper, and with a glass top. [rom time to time the 
‘nest should be slightly damped. The fleas will frequently 
keep emerging from their pup in the nests for six weeks 
or two months after the nest has been taken. The live fleas 
can be taken off the sides and top of the box with a camel’s 
“hair brush dipped in chloroform or benzine. « 
‘“ CHIGOHS.”’ 
““Chigoes,’? which are highly specialised fleas, occur on 
‘mammals and birds in warm countries. The females, which 
-often have the appearance of a small wart, attach them- 
selves to the more naked portions of their host, remaining 
‘firmly fixed in the skin. Mammals preserved in alcohol 
-often yield examples of these insects. Chigoes are of great 
interest, and should be carefully collected. 
Mr. Froggatt, Government Entomologist Department of 
Agriculture, Sydney, will be glad to receive and forward 
“specimens, and will pay 3d. apiece for such specimens, other 
‘than house, dog, cat, rat, or mice fleas. 
