20 



Makett (P. J.). Fly Prevention Measures.— J/. R.A.M.C., Londmi, 

 XXV, no. 4, October 1915, pp. 456-460. [Received 3rd December 

 1915.] 



The egg-clusters of Musca domeslica deposited on manure heaps 

 are found in sheltered spots, preferably facing the sun and in places 

 which have been trodden on. When flies are observed ovipositing, 

 they should not be disturbed, but the position of the eggs should be 

 noted, so that they can be destroyed later. A trained man can remove 

 from 30 to 40 batches a day. In summer the eggs must not be left 

 for more than one day, since hatching takes place in from 4 to 8 hours. 

 The first larval stage is passed in the upper 2 or 3 inches of the manure 

 heap, the larvae remaining in groups. At the completion of the first 

 stage, migration takes place at night and on the surface of the manure. 

 As a trap for the larvae of this stage, square ration tins are used. 

 These are provided with four slits about 2 inches from the bottom, are 

 filled with about 4 inches of sand or chaff and are embedded in the 

 manure heap so that the slits are on a level with the surface. The 

 traps are placed along the edges of the mound at intervals of 3 or 

 4 feet. In one trap, 5,000 larvae have been caught in one night. 

 A 40 per cent, solution of formalin with native raw sugar added 

 is used against adult flies. This solution is placed on the heaps in 

 tins, with bread soaked in it. The traps are very effective on calm, 

 dry days. 



Incineration of manure is carried out by another unit. The 

 incinerators consist of large-meshed wire netting, placed on iron bars 

 supported on empty cresol drums. The wire netting is covered with the 

 -drier portions of litter, and manure is heaped on this ; fires are started 

 "with old sacks soaked in paraffin, which are applied to the, face exposed 

 to the wind. When the fire is started, the incinerators are loaded to 

 a depth of 2^ feet. The condensation of moisture is avoided by not 

 loading to a greater height than indicated. The chief objections to 

 this method are the amount of labour required and the materials used 

 in making the incinerators. 



In camps and billets only the adult flies can be dealt with. 

 Wire gauze is applied to all windows ; kitchens and dining-rooms 

 are furnished with balloon wire traps, baited with stale beer and 

 sugar or with a paste consisting of cheese, sugar and water. 

 Sticky papers are made by covering paper with a well-boiled mixture 

 of 5 parts castor oil and 8 parts resin. Kitchens are sprayed 

 at least once a week with formalin solution, 2 ozs. to 1 gal. water. 

 Protection of foodstuffs must be carried out as thoroughly as possible. 



DiBLE (J. H.). Transmission of Malaria in Northern France.— 

 Jl. R.A.M.C., London, xxv, no. 5, November 1915, pp. 577-579. 

 [Received 17th December 1915.] 



Two cases of malaria were reported in Northern France during 

 August 1915. The disease was contracted in the region occupied by 

 the British Army, and it is logical to conclude that malaria-infected 

 mosquitos are now present in this area. The country in which the 

 •cases occurred is well suited to mosquitos, being flat and well watered. 



