. The naturalist in Australia. Natural history. TERMITES (WHITE ANTS). 131 Summarising the existing knowledge of the Termitichie, Dr. Sharp reports that the nmnber of described species does not exceed a hundred, and that very probably there are as many as one thousand in existence. Australia, while yielding probably for its area the largest and most diversified variety of specific forms and the most remarkable architectural modifications of termite habitations, has, so far, been practically neglected by scientific specialists, and consequently offers a most rich and almost virgin field to the
. The naturalist in Australia. Natural history. TERMITES (WHITE ANTS). 131 Summarising the existing knowledge of the Termitichie, Dr. Sharp reports that the nmnber of described species does not exceed a hundred, and that very probably there are as many as one thousand in existence. Australia, while yielding probably for its area the largest and most diversified variety of specific forms and the most remarkable architectural modifications of termite habitations, has, so far, been practically neglected by scientific specialists, and consequently offers a most rich and almost virgin field to the Termitologist. It is hoped by the writer that the data concerning the more noteworthy habits and fabrications of this insect group embodied in this Chapter, will prove a stimulus to readers residing in tropical Australian districts to devote some attention to the study of such varieties as may be peculiar to their neighbourhoods. By so doing, and by combining with their recorded notes the conservation in alcohol or, possibly, more readily accessible whisky, of specimen samples of the variously modified individuals found in each specific form of mound or subterranean gallery, they will render valuable service to science. While assisting science they will also gain to themselves that newer interest and zest in life which is so often wanting to the isolated Australian settler. For the frequently enforced monotony of such a calling there is no panacea so sure as an intelligently bestridden natural history Jr. S„ del. Triclioiii/mpha Leidi/i, , iNrvsoKiAL I' of the tasmanian white axt, exhiiutino diverse I'Rotean modifications. MAGNIFIED 600 DIAMETERS. p. Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original Kent, W. Saville (William Saville), d. 1908. London, Chapman & Hall
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