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pool can breed hundreds of larvæ and that one mosquito can lay dozens of eggs, the difficulties of exterminating the anophele by this method are self-evident. I have, however, in accordance with His Excellency's verbal instructions, engaged a man to round the town, visit the anopheles pools as laid down in the map, and treat them with kerosine. This will be done under Dr. Berkley's supervision, and I need hardly say that I myself will also give it my personal attention. As kerosine does not remain long on the surface of the water to kill larva where there is a current, I intend to try the effect of tar in such places.
6. With reference to the capabilities of anopheles flying any distance, I would like to relate an experience of my own which occurred some weeks ago. I was called off to a steamer which was anchored a long way from shore to see a seaman who was suffering from an attack of malarial fever. The man had never been on the West Coast before, nor in a malarious locality, and had not been allowed on shore here. Now in this case we have one of two alternatives to choose from, either the attack was not caused by the anopheles, or the anopheles is capable of flying a considerable distance.
7. Wire screens for windows and doors would in many cases be an advantage.
8. The general use of mosquito-nets is also advisable. I cannot, however, agree with Major Ross that the high mortality of Europeans here is due to the absence of mosquito- nets and punkahs. With regard to the latter, I have no reason to believe that Europeans here are any more averse to personal comforts than those in India; but it must be remembered that labour is much more expensive, and the cost of keeping a servant solely for punkah work is in many cases prohibitive.
9. The fact that it is wiser to live in houses built in elevated situations is of course a very old one,
and one that should be acted upon whenever possible. Here again the question of expense comes in, houses cannot be built in a day, suitable houses cannot be obtained with ease in Freetown, and business men must live where it is most suitable for their business. If a small railway were constructed to run up the hills, I have no doubt that very soon Europeans would find the advantage of going out of town at night, and suitable houses would be built.
W. T. PROUT.
21st November, 1899.
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