72 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Jan., 1899. 
HOW TO VANQUISH THE MOSQUITO. 
Accorpine to an American paper (the Public Health Journal), the dreaded 
mosquito, which is such an intolerable nuisance in the summer months, more 
particularly along river banks and on the sea coast, can be easily abated by 
the use of avery simple remedy. It is stated that but two and a-half hours 
are required for the development of the full-grown mosquito from a mere 
speck, its first stage. It can be instantly killed either in its infancy or at 
maturity by contact with minute quantities of permanganate of potash, the 
cheap purple salt which is used so much for disinfecting purposes. It is said 
that a solution of the salt containing only one part in fifteen thousand of 
water, distributed in the marshes where the mosquito breeds, will render the 
development of their larve impossible. To quote the Journal itself :—‘“ A 
handful of permanganate will oxidise a ten-acre swamp, kill its embryo insects, 
and keep it free from organic matter for thirty days at a cost of 25 cents, 
With care, a whole State may be kept free of insect pests at a small cost. An 
efficacious method is to scatter a few crystals widely apart. A single pinch of 
permanganate has killed all the germs in a 1,000-gallon tank.” 
ONIONS—A REMEDY FOR SLEEPLESSNESS. 
Nor many people are aware that the onion contains a principle which acts on 
the nerves in a manner similar to the action of opium. 
Unfortunately, the persistent odour of the vegetable makes sensitive 
persons disinclined to use them, at all events in the raw state. Now, an onion 
taken at night is one of the best sleep-inducers. The element above mentioned 
has the effect of calming the nerves, and consequently of lulling the brain to 
rest. 
Onions with salt are much used in the old country for the reduction of 
chilblains. They are also efficacious, used asa poultice, in the matter of sprains, 
boils, &e. 
In fact, they are generally excellent both as a medicine and as a vegetable. 
Onions, apples, and grapes are amongst the best vegetable medicines. 
MILK CHAMPAGNISED. 
Ina French agronomical publication it is affirmed that Mons. Cossins has 
invented and patented a new process for sterilising all fermenting liquids. He 
places the fluid to be operated on in a closed vessel, and subjects it to a stream 
of oxygen proportionate to the quantity of fluid. Milk can thus bekept for 
any length of time after the sterilising process. ‘lo make champagne milk, 
which also keeps any length of time, and is a most delicious and refreshing 
drink, sugar and an aromatic essence are added to the milk, which also receives 
a quantity of carbonic acid gas in a closed vessel. 
ANTIDOTE FOR CHLOROFORM. 
Ir will be remembered that in November last Dr. ———— was successful 
in restoring to consciousness a patient who seemed likely to succumb to the 
effects of chloroform administered for operating purposes. He gave the 
patient a hypodermic injection of permanganate of potash, which had the 
effect of completely neutralising the chloroform, and the subject recovered 
almost instantaneously. An American (Dr. Moor) lately proved the value of 
this antidote which he claims to have discovered, by swallowing three grains of 
morphine, and immediately afterwards taking a solution of six grains of 
permanganate of potash in four ounces of water. The morphine was taken 
in the presence of twelve other doctors, who, it is said, were satisfied that the 
morphine was neutralised, as it had not the slightest effect on Dr. Moor. Such 
a simple antidote to narcotic poisons should neyer be wanting in the family 
medicine chest. 
