178 Timehri. 
adults undisturbed by their natural enemies. This statement can be veri- 
fied by anyone who takes the trouble to examine these pools a few days after 
rain. They can easily be rendered safe if of fairly large size by placing fish in 
them, or if small by the use of carbolic acid. 
Petroleum is useless as a mosquito prophylactic in the colony because the 
strong breeze always blowing quickly clear it from the surface and breaks the 
scum which must be continuous to be effective, 
Prophylaxis as applied to Georgetown in particular can be summed up in 
a few words, the laws and machinery for carrying 1t out are already in exist- 
tence and merely require setting in motion. Meanwhile each householder 
can see that the following simple precautions are carried out : 
1. That vats and tanks are efficiently screened. 
2. That no barrels, tubs, tins or other receptacles for stagnant water are 
allowed on the premises ; or if necessary for use, then see that each 
vessel is emptied and inverted at least on alternate days. 
3 That roof gutters are kept in proper repair and not allowed to sag and 
bend so as to hold water ; examine cesspits regularly. 
4. Ponds and small pools, ornamental fountains, etc., which cannot be kept 
empty, should either be kept stocked with fish or treated weekly with 
crude carbolic acid or chlora-naphtholeum ; One teaspoonful to every 
ten gallons is sufficient of either substance and is safe if the water is ~ 
drunk by animals. 
5. Thick low bush and shrubs should be severely discouraged, they are a 
favourite hiding-place for adult mosquitoes. This does not, of course, 
apply to shade trees, a tree with a trunk free from branches fora height 
of 10 or 12 feet is usually quite safe. 
6. Don’t neglect to examine the inside of the house for likely breeding- 
places, bath cisterns, the water contained in the saucers in which 
flower-pots are placed, and even water ewers and water bottles are 
often found to be swarming with mosquito larvae when examined. 
7. Have all doors and windows open night and day, mosquitoes do not like 
a strong breeze, it damages their wings. 
Tn conclusion may I make an appeal to you, in the cause of the young 
children, for acute malaria is ten times more fatal to infants than to adults, 
and to enlist your aid in reducing the high infantile mortality in this colony 
British Guiana has always been to the fore in medical research and progcess, 
the researches of Dr. Beauperthuy, Dr. Blair, Professor Harrison, the Rev. 
Sutton Moxly, and Dr. Daniels, are historic. Should we not all do our best 
to assist the authorities of to-day, who are endeavouring to keep our colony 
in the front rank. Splendid records of the past impose obligations on us 
younger generations that it is unfair to shirk. Personally I am convinced that 
in the mosquito problem we have the key to an enormous reduction of our 
present death-rate, especially the infantile one. We must not be content to 
remain in statu quo but try to go one better than our predecessors. 
a ln laa 
