Donald B. McMullen

Larval trematode infection in juveniles and adults of Physa parken Currier.

Studies on the ecological relations of larval trematode infections in Stagnicola emarginata angulata (Sowerby) have been carried out during the last five summers at the University of Michigan Biological Station (see Cort, McMullen, and Brackett, 1937; Cort, McMullen, Olivier, and Brackett, 1940a). One of the most interesting parts of this work has been the comparison of infections in juvenile and adult snails. In the summers of 1938 and 1939 the ecological studies were extended to include the larval trematode infections of juveniles and adults of Physa parkeri Currier, a very large beach snail, and, in addition, its life cycle was worked out. Two preliminary publications have already been made on certain phases of this work (Cort, McMullen, and Olivier, 1938; Cort, McMullen, Olivier, and Brackett, 1940b). In this paper all the data obtained on the life cycle of P. parkeri and on its larval trematode infections are presented.

RESEARCH SUPPORT AND PARASITOLOGY

The impact of the great increase in research support from government and private agencies on parasitology is examined. The machinery for providing such support is considered, as is the response of the scientific community.