CO885-(19-20) — Page 474

1723

REPORT BY DR. W. M. GRAHAM UPON ENTOMOLOGICAL OBSERVA- TIONS MADE IN SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL ASHANTI, 1907.

Having been appointed to investigate the distribution and to make collections of the biting insects of Ashanti, I commenced work at Obuasi in Southern Ashanti towards the end of May, 1907. It was then contemplated that the whole tour of twelve months should be devoted to this investigation, but plague having broken out in the Colony, it was found necessary to transfer me to Accra to take charge of the plague laboratory. My work in Ashanti was thus brought to an abrupt termination after about 74 months duration. Various experiments that had been commenced or designed had to be abandoned, and all the specimens of larvæ and pupæ collected for rearing were destroyed by moulds or other parasites during my six months' absence in Accra. It is a matter of regret that the completeness of my observations was thereby very greatly curtailed.

TSETSE FLIES.

That portion of the investigation relating to the Glossing was undertaken with the object of ascertaining the indigenous species, and of defining their distribu- tion in Ashanti. As this country is, in most of its extent, covered with dense forest, such an enquiry can only be pursued along the main roads, along the bush paths, and in the accessible villages. The highways of chief importance leading from the Colony into Ashanti are:-

(1) The Cape Coast road to Kumasi.

(2) The Gold Coast Government Railway.

Cape Coast Road.

The Cape Coast road runs from Cape Coast Castle to Kumasi, crossing the Prah River at Prahsu.

At one place (Moinsi Hill) this road attains an elevation above sea-level of 1,200 feet.

Previous to the construction of the railroad this was the principal thorough- fare, and at present considerable native traffic in cattle and goods still passes

over it.

The Gold Coast Government Railway.

This railroad runs from Sekondi to Kumasi, a distance of 168 miles. It enters Ashanti at Dunkwa, where it crosses the River Ofin; attains its greatest elevation near Akrokerri (1344 miles); and then descends somewhat to Kumasi (858 feet above sea-level)

Within Ashanti these two highways approach one another as they converge upon Kumasi, and they run through an area which may be described as the basin of the River Prah and its tributaries, the River Ofin, River Adra, River Jym, Fum, &c. On leaving Ashanti at Dunkwa the railroad diverges westward from the Cape Coast road and runs through an area drained by the River Ankobra and its tributaries.

The River Prah reaches the sea about 10 miles east of Sekondi, the River Ankobra about 3 miles west of Axim, and a distance of about 60 miles, as the crow flies, separates their mouths Those portions of the Cape Coast road, of the railroad, and of the connecting cross-roads, tying within Ashanti were very carefully examined for Glossina. The portion of the railroad within the Colony, viz., between Dunkwa and Sekondi, was incidentally dealt with while travelling to and from Sekondi. The results obtained can be most clearly displayed by treating in detail each area examined and then adding to the detailed account a general sum- mary. I propose then to give a detailed account of the places visited."

Obuasi-This town, the capital of Southern Ashanti, has an elevation of 750 feet above sea-level and is situated where the railroad passes through a narrow gap in the hills which form the watershed between the basins of the River Ofin and

150. G 10. Wt. 12.08. D&A. ". 94692.

•

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

EPEC.O. 885

20 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO|

نا