Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 April 2009
The accurate identification of cestodarian and cestodan helminths depends so much upon the correct interpretation of their internal morphological features that a rapid yet satisfactory routine technique in their preparation for microscopical examination is much to be desired. Not all workers publish their technical methods, and, among those who do, no two seem to be in agreement. Some of the collection and preservation methods, in particular, which are advocated, whilst admirable for museum specimens or histological study, are impracticable under the conditions of a field survey, where many host animals have to be quickly examined and rapidly accumulating specimens are preserved and studied by methods which will not strain unduly the limited facilities of a field laboratory or a small biological station.