SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 
were thus obtained point to a means of effective control by a system of 
quarantine. Although this work constitutes a big advance, the tem- 
porary Institute has neither the necessary administrative powers nor 
funds to undertake a campaign for the eradication of the tick. A-+Con- 
ference was, however, held in February, 1918, with the New South 
Wales and Queensland authorities, and recommendations were made to 
carry out such a campaign. Another matter which is being investigated 
by the Institute, in co-operation with both the New South Wales and 
Queensland Departments of Agriculture, is the determination of the 
composition and strength of cattle tick dips. 
3. Worm Nodule Disease——As regards the worm nodule, the pre- 
sence of which in cattle in certain areas of Australia constitutes so big 
a handicap to the beef-export trade, little was known how the disease 
is transmitted. ‘The Institute has carried out investigations, and has 
obtained valuable evidence concerning the means by which the disease 
is transmitted. Experiments will be made next season to determine this 
point more definitely, so as to ascertain the most likely methods for 
the effective control of the disease. 
4. Tuberculosis in Stock.—This is another matter which is being 
investigated. The first step was to obtain authoritative information 
from each State as to the prevalence of the disease, the sources of 
infection, the losses caused, and preventive methods at present in opera- 
tion. This work has practically been completed, and, as in other cases, 
was performed gratuitously by leading veterinary officers, pastoralists, 
and others scientifically and economically interested. 
5. Sheep Blowfly.—Important investigations on the sheep blowfly 
pest have been carried out both in New South Wales and Queens- 
land, especially in regard to the utilization of natural parasites 
which destroy the pupe of the blowflies. Demonstration work 
is now going on in New South Wales under a grant made by 
the Institute. The results so far obtained have been satisfactory, and 
afford hope that, if the methods adopted are put into general opera- 
tion, the seriousness of the pest will be very considerably diminished. 
Further investigational work by the Institute has, to a large extent, 
been hung up, as the investigations have now reached a stage at which 
they cannot be efficiently continued unless larger funds are made avail- 
able for the employment of properly qualified assistants. 
6. White Ant Pest.—The white ant pest causes great losses in Aus- 
tralia, by reason both of the damage done to buildings and to agricul- 
tural crops. The Institute has collected from experts information on 
this matter, and in co-operation with the New South Wales Govern- 
ment is initiating a scheme of investigational work. ‘ 
7. Prickly Pear.—Prickly pear in Australia covers an area of about 
23,000,000 acres, which is greater than the total area of cultivated land 
in the Commonwealth (17,000,000 acres). The pear is spreading at the 
rate of about 1,000,000 acres annually. In November, 1916, the Insti- 
tute presented to the Government a scheme of investigational work with 
a view to the eradication of the pest. The scheme has since been 
approved by the Commonwealth, New South Wales, and Queensland 
Governments. It provides for investigations as to the suitability of 
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