Birds' Nests

Abstract

BEING occupied at present in an endeavour to ascertain the method of transmission of the trypanosomes and other blood parasites occurring in common British birds, such as the chaffinch, I very much desire to obtain nests, with the view of searching them for fleas; the nests which I want especially are those of the house-sparrow and the chaffinch, in both of which occurs the particular flea (Ceratophyllus fringillae) that I require. May I ask any of your readers who may be interested in the subject if they can procure for me nests of either of the above-mentioned birds? I shall be greatly obliged if any nests will be sent to me at the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine, Chelsea Gardens, London, S.W. Nests should be well and closely wrapped up in paper, as soon as possible after being obtained, in order to prevent the possible escape of any fleas which may be present. Of course, any out-of-pocket expenses, &c., will be gladly refunded.