(45) 
VII. REMARKS. 
30. Miscellaneous Remarks. — Tlie following notes ma\- be of interest. 
(l.) Deitniction of gnati^ gcncraUw - It is a most astonishing tact that thougli gnats constitute 
a serious pest in nearly all tropical towns, one seldom hears of any efforts being made to control 
their numbers. Even Europeans appear to be generally quite ignorant of tlieir source, and often 
allow them to breed in large numbers in tubs and flower-pots just outside tlieir windows; and then 
complain of their presence and attribute it to the " localitw" It would be a benefit to tlie 
community if medical men would exert their influence with local municipalities in favour of some 
action against these insects- not ojilv Anopheles^ but Culcx as well. A single intelligent native 
agent, whose services could generall)' be obtained for one or two pounds a month, would be able 
to do a great deal of good in many towns, simply by going from house to house and emptying the 
vessels of stagnant water, or by treating them with culicicides, or by showing the occupants what 
to do. Sanitary inspectors might also be instructed to attend to the matter. The policy of 
indifference adopted at present is ridiculous. 
(2.) Houses of Europeans in the Tropics. — We have alread)' referred to the fact that punkahs 
and mosquito-nets are not as generally used in Sierra Leone as in India. In the latter country 
Englishmen seem to have learnt by long experience how best to live in the tropics. Not onl\' do 
they employ these comforts wherever possible, but their houses are as a rule specially adapted for 
tropical life — they are generally commodious, well-built, and surrounded by a large open area or 
" compound." Undoubtedly this must assist in preserving the occupants from a great deal of 
fever. Gnats do not like airy, well-lighted rooms ; while, if there is a large compound, infectioJi 
cannot be as easily carried from adjacent houses. Moreover, in India there is generally a separate 
European quarter, which is as a rule built on the most elevated site present. In P'reetown none 
of these precautions have been adopted. In addition to the neglect of punkahs and mosquito-nets, 
the houses are small, crowded together, mixed witli the houses of the townspeople, and built in 
the lowest part of the town. Anopheles easily live in them, can bring in the infection from 
numerous neighbouring dwellings, and can feed uncontrolled on the occupants; while they find 
numerous pools suitable for them in the ditches by the side of tlic streets. 
On the ridge behind Kortright Hill there is a large plateau over 1000 feet above sea-level, 
and capable of holding the houses of all tlie Europeans in the colony. 
Serious attentioji ougin to be given to this question of the houses of Europeans in the 
tropics. If etnployes are sent at all to dangerous climates, it is the manifest duty of their employers 
— whether these employers be the Government or private persons to see tiiat tiie\' are housed in 
