SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 
with the tree-dwellers of Papua, to keep out of reach of human foes, 
but to keep their houses free from the depredations of the white ant, 
the scourge of sub-tropical and tropical lands. The scientist who 
discovers a way of combating this insect really effectively, and without 
entailing over much expense, will save hundreds of thousands sterling 
per annum. Here is a chance for the chemist possibly, or possibly the 
entomologist, or possibly for a combined effort from both. The borers 
that eat into the piles upon which our wharfs rest have still to be dealt 
with at the hands of science. 
Quite another series of problems have peculiar application to the 
larger centres of population. The smoke nuisance, the dust trouble, 
if properly tackled and overcome, will materially reduce the daily 
labour of countless housewives, and add much to the general health and 
comfort of the community. Neither of these evils should be insolvable. 
The disposal of city garbage should be dealt with on more scientific 
lines, and greater use made of the by-products of its distillation. The 
-waste products of countless factories should be put to fuller and more 
systematic use. In the past, we have been prodigal of our resources. 
We can no longer afford that luxury. We burn coal by the million 
“TITS WEALTH OF PEARLS.” PEARLING FLEET AT THURSDAY ISLAND. 
tons each year, and allow 40 per cent. of its value to go up the flue. 
The dumps from our mines, and the slag from our furnaces, have still 
unknown riches to yield up. The sands of the sea, the water of the ocean, 
can, at a price, be made to yield unseen gold; so can the modern alchemist 
transmute many seemingly worthless things into substantial banking 
accounts for the enterprising and the skilful. 
The scour from the wool-wash is rich in potash; the common sea- 
weed on the beaches contains iodine; the water hyacinth, potash; saw- 
dust from the timber mills, acetic acid, alcohol, and tar; straw can be 
converted into a valuable illuminant; the essential oils of our bush 
plants into additions to the pharmacopeia, and so on ad infinitum. The 
resources of the Commonwealth are well: nigh inexhaustible, and will 
yield untold wealth to the scientifically-trained mind. 
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