XIX. 



cipitated by means of alcohol, and then the pigment obtained from the filtrate 

 on the addition of a^cetone. The syrupy magenta precipitate was then dried. 

 The colour was found to be permanent. Experiments were made with wool, 

 silk, and cotton, mordanted and not mordanted, but the dye was not 

 sufficiently fast. However, the pigment was found to be of use as a colouring 

 matter for confectionery, icecreams, beverages, and fruit preserves, but could 

 not be retained in foods and drugs in the presence of oxidising agents or hght. 



I. Minor Uses. 



Various proposals to make different products, e.g., coffee, cattle food-cake, 

 vinegar, soap, &c., have been suggested, but as far as we are aware no articles 

 of commercial value and importance, other than those already referred to earlier 

 in the report, have been made. 



Prickly-pears are made use of in other ways, e.g., as host plants for the 

 true cochineal insect ; as hedges ; as fuel ; for timber ; as protection for sandy 

 soil against wind ; as cover for young trees ; for supplying curios, &c.; but 

 none of these methods of utilisation are of value from our point of view. 



DESTRUCTION BY OVERGROWTH. 



It has been suggested that the introduction of a certain fodder grass 

 from Brazil might be of service, as on account of its very rapid growth it would 

 probably choke the prickly-pear. The Commission has had no experience of 

 the efficacy of this method, and is therefore not prepared to make any recom- 

 mendation concerning it. 



In a northern portion of South America a rapidly-growing climbing 

 leguminous plant is used. The twining branches form a network enclosing the 

 prickly-pear clump around which the seeds of the plant have been sown, and 

 then the stems are cut. After the climber has become sufficiently dry, it is set 

 alight and the prickly-pear becomes seriously scorched. A repetition would 

 probably destroy the latter. 



DESTRUCTION BY CHEMICAL MEANS. 



Although the Commission was not specially asked to look into the question 

 of destroying prickly-pear by chemical means, it has obtained whatever informa- 

 tion was available. This has been incorporated as an appendix to that section 

 of the report which deals with our investigations in South Africa. It may be 

 pointed out, however, that no method superior to those already in vogue in 

 Queensland either was suggested or was found to be practised. 



DESTRUCTION BY MECHANICAL MEANS. 



Proposals for the destruction of the prickly-pear by mechanical means 

 have, from time to time, been voiced in Australia. The actual factors as 

 regards prickly-pear occurrence therein, involved in the devising of such 

 processes and their application, have not, however, been defined and made 

 public. Accordingly, no data relating to them has been forthcoming for 

 submission to the mechanical engineer's of the countries visited, that they 

 might be confronted with the nature of the problem at issue. We have, therefore, 

 refrained from consulting them with regard to this important matter. 



