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Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/420

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360
THE ZOOLOGIST.

for the Anopheles Mosquito, to be filled up. Some hollows in rocks were discovered containing about 18 in. of water filled with thousands of larvæ.

"The Hausas' and Carriers' lines were inspected twice a week, in order to ensure no stagnant water being allowed to remain in old pots or tins. The general result has been an immense reduction in the number of Mosquitoes. With regard to my own quarters, in addition to taking these sanitary measures, I had every Mosquito killed so far as possible as soon as it appeared. The result of this was that my own house was nearly free from Mosquitoes, and I have only had half a day's fever during my time in Gambaga (nearly ten months). Whether this immunity has been due to the absence of the Mosquito, I do not venture to say."

From East Africa the same excellent testimony arrives. Eeports by various administrative officers are appended by Mr. Sharpe in his report on the British Central African Protectorate. That of the chief medical officer describes malaria amongst the Europeans as decreasing on account of their care to protect themselves against Mosquito "bites."


The Sea-serpent has again been sighted, this time on the Australian coast, by the captain of the steamer 'Chillagoe,' belonging to the Howard Smith Line (Melbourne). The 'Chillagoe' arrived at Sydney (N.S.W.), on July 13th, from Port Pirie (South Australia) direct, and Capt. W. Firth supplied the fullowing particulars:—"On the passage from Port Pirie to Sydney, when off Ram Head, a monster serpent was seen by several members of the crew. Desiring to get a good view of this monster, the ship's course was altered. Closer inspection proved it to be an immense serpent of, as far as could be judged, from 30 ft. to 35 ft., with four dorsal fins about 6 ft. apart, standing about 4 ft. or 5 ft. high. The head resembled that of a Seal, only it was much larger, being about 2 ft. in diameter. When the ship approached to within 100 yards of the monster, it raised its head, looked at the vessel, and disappeared. It was seen by myself, the second officer, and several others. All agree that it resembled the serpent seen by those on board the 'Princess,' illustrated in the 'Strand Magazine,' the only visible difference being the fins, which seemed more angular than those in the 'Magazine.' The body of the serpent did not appear above the water, but it must have been of immense size."

[The above has appeared in the daily papers, and is here inserted without comment. It is necessary that these narratives should be collected.—Ed.]


Correction.Ante, p. 319, twelfth line from bottom of page, for "exclusively" read "extensively."