36 THOMPSON YATES AND JOHNSTON LABORATORIES REPORT 
inspected, the rain water collected in them should be baled out as much as possible, 
and, in addition, kerosine oil or other culicicide should be applied, as it is impossible to 
bale out all the water from such boats, and even in a very small quantity of water 
many mosquitoes can breed ; the boats on the shore should be inspected at least 
once a week. 
If ells. There is no doubt that in Eathurst there is an excess of small tub 
wells out of proportion to the requirements of the natives. In the first instance, in 
dealing with these wells their number should be reduced ; this could be accomplished 
by filling in these wells as they become foul (a condition of affairs which often occurs), 
and prohibiting the digging of new wells without the consent of the local authority. 
A better plan would be to do away with the majority of the native tub wells and, in 
their stead, to increase the number of public wells, properly covered and under the 
control of the sanitary authority. Dr. Forde has devised, as a preliminary measure 
to control the breeding of mosquitoes in these small wells, a very ingenious cover, 
which also could be utilized as a cover for rain tubs and barrels. This cover 
consists of a large iron hoop obtained from discarded barrels, to which is fastened all 
round a piece of stout calico or sacking tree from holes, in such a manner that a good 
deal of sag is left in the material. After water is obtained from the well the hoop is 
thrown over the mouth, and the calico catching on the rim of the well completely closes 
the entrance and is kept taut by the weight of the iron hoop. This cover is so simple, 
and, however carelessly applied, must effectually close the entrance of the tub against 
mosquitoes, that I think it is well worthy of extensive use in the town. Dr. Forde 
had lately informed me that these covers are now being made in Bathurst, and are sold 
to the natives tor the sum of fourpence. Another method which I believe to be 
feasible, and certainly applicable to the larger private wells, is to stock them with fish ; 
indeed, I came across four wells in Bathurst in which fish were present, and in which 
I could never detect mosquito larvae. The fish in these wells had been obtained from 
one of the large drains in the town ; unfortunately, I do not know the species. With 
regard to the large private wells, it is very essential that these should have proper anti- 
mosquito-proof covers. 
Street Drains. It appears to be unfeasible to allow the open street drains to 
act as drains for subsoil as well as surface water ; in fact, many of the larger drains 
have been well cemented to exclude sub-soil water. From the anti-mosquito point of 
view it is very desirable that the central street drains should only be utilized for carrying 
away surface water. It has been shown that when sub-soil water percolates into these 
drains a most suitable condition for the breeding of mosquitoes is brought about. It 
is therefore necessary that the bed and sides of the street drains should be well cemented. 
Many of the shallow drains require attention in this respect. Catchpits in the course 
of the drain are useless and should be abolished, and also the dips in many of the drains 
occurring underneath the small bridges at the corners of the streets. Frequent brushing 
