The Northern Territory.
A correspondent of the Argus, writing from Quartz Reef, Northern Territory, gives the following list, of the chief plagne3 of that interesting country':—
No. 1. Snakes.—They are not only dangerous to life, hut are death on chickens, and range in size from 18 inches to about as many feet. No. 2. Adders.—Deadly poison. After a hite from one of them a man had better write to his friends, and do so within ten minutes. No. 3. Mosqnitos.— The plague without exception of the Northern Territory. Anyone who disbelieves this need only sleep for a night or two near some of the creeks without a curtain, and he will do so no "longer. No. 4. Sandflies.—See mosqnitos. No. 5. Alligators.—Jnfest some of the rivers. Once get into their grip and it is extremely unlikely that you will ever get out of it. They are nice pets, but require to be bottled in spiiits of wine for safety. No. 6. Rats.—Are of several descriptions, and are very partial to flour, tea, &c. They are not particular, and wilj just as soon chaw your hair, if sleeping out at night, as thev will flour or tea.
No. 7. Scorpions.—These are pretty little creatures, of a light -grey colour. Their bile is not quite sure to kill, but goes so near it that I would not advise any one to set bitten if they can possibly avoid it. No. 8. Cockroaches —These in some instance are an inch and a half long, and are delightful fellow residents in a house.
No. 9. Ants—Keep generally at a respectful distance, and build good houses for themselves, but are, in too large numbers to be pleasant if.yon get among them.
No. 10. Niggers.—Delightful creatures. Are not. at all particular as to whether property is their own or net, and if they ran put a spear quietly into you at night will do so ; but of course, the poor"creatures know no better! They also smell, and the odour does not resemble, eau de-cologne. B-sides those enumerated above there are lots of minor ones, for instance, flies crickets, grubs, &c.,-which all tend to make life in these sylvan deserts a perfect paradise.
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Bibliographic details
Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 264, 20 October 1874, Page 7
Word Count
366The Northern Territory. Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 264, 20 October 1874, Page 7
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