278 
FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS. 
disinfection. Looking to the important fact that in the ten 
years 1851 to I860, 42,071 deaths occurred in England and 
Wales from smallpox, and that 37,007 of these deaths were 
in children under fifteen years of age, the recommendation 
given by the Privy Council and the London College of 
Physicians should not be followed ; but, where there is danger 
of infection, children of all ages should be re vaccinated. There 
is no sufficient reason why lymph during the time of an 
epidemic, wffien it is often difficult to procure it, should not 
be taken from adult persons, provided they are free from 
disease, and the vesicle presents a normal appearance. More 
extended observation is needed before we come to the con- 
clusion that the amount of exemption from smallpox depends 
upon the number of marks upon the arm from primary 
vaccination. — I bid. 
Disinfection of Battle-Fields. — Brussels. — In the 
Belgian Parliament to-day, March 8th, the Government stated, 
in answer to a question put, that three persons had been 
appointed to communicate with the municipal authorities at 
Sedan in order to take measures to disinfect the battle-fields. 
The municipality had promised the gratuitous help of work- 
men, and the measures have already begun to be put into 
execution. Steps will also be taken to recover from the 
bottom of the Meuse the carcases of horses, and it is hoped 
the district will be protected against an epidemic. — Echo. 
Wool Product of California. — The production of 
wool in California, in 1870, exceeded 20,000,000 lb. The 
average price was about twenty cents, the whole clip being 
worth 4,000,000 dollars. It is estimated that 1871 will see 
an increase of 25 per cent, in the quantity produced. — * 
Journal of the Society of Arts. 
A New Machine for taking off the hides of dead cattle 
will shortly be tried at Buenos Ayres. The operation is short, 
sharp, and decisive, requiring only a minute for each hide. 
Cold air is forced by a pump between the flesh and the hide, 
and the thing is done. The process ought to be an improve- 
ment on the old hacking and scraping system. — Brazil and 
Biver Elate Mail. 
