Notes and Queries

Otago Witness, Issue 4033, 30 June 1931, Page 44

Notes and Queries

Questions for reply in the coming Issue of the Otago Witness must be received not later than SATURDAY Night.

Questions will NOT be replied to through the post. Questions must, be accompanied by the name and address of the writer, but a nom de plume may be adopted tor publication.

Constant Reader,” Waitaki.—-We hope to procure x some information for next issue.

“Bushman,” Tuatapere, wishes to know (1) what a 10 per cent, reduction on £lO 3s 6d leaves, and (2) what a 10 per cent, reduction on 18s per day works out at per day.-—— (1) £0 3s 2d. ' (2) Is 9 3-5 d “Central Otago” asks: “(1) On what date did Vincent Pyke turn the first sod of the Central Otago railway ? (2f When was the line opened to Middlemarch, and when was it opened to Hyde?” (1) June 7, 1879. (2) Wingatui-Hindon opened October 24, 1889; Hindon-Middlemarch, April 28, 1891; Middlemarch-Hyde, July 12, 1894. “Stray Cur” wishes to know (1) a recipe for frosted caramels, with directions how to make them, and inquires (2) how much the University gives tor a corpse, and how to get in touch wit them about the same. (1) ler haps some of our readers can supply thu» information. (2) Write to Dr Gow land. Medical School, King street, Dunedin.

'“Amateur Bricky,” Morven, wishes to know how to make a small quantity or mortar to renew the top of a chimney (of Oamaru stone) which has become rather dangerous on account of a heavy top. He intends to replace the stone with brick. Mortar is made from fresh burned lime and dean sharp sand or grit (one of lime three of sand) ; or cement and sharp sand or grit (one of cement to four of sand). “Horticulture.” Brooklyn, would like to know’ (1) what sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salts) is used for m rosegrowing. and (2) if sulphate of iron is used for brightening the colour of roses. (1) Magnesia is present m practically all soils, and certain fertilising mixtures have this ingredient added. It is a of opinion as to its value as a constituent in rose-growing soils. (2) Yes. “ Julius,” Southland, wishes to know the reason for verdigris forming on nickelbathroom taps and the best method of removing it. -The question arises as to whether the plating has worn off in places or if the taps have become tarnished because they have not been cleaned regularly. Clean first with Sapolio and damp cloth, and finally wtih any of the metal polishes obtainable. Brasso is suitable. “Inquirer,” Winton, wishes to know the way to dye a sheepskin mat and the dve which would be the most suitable. _l—There are several dyes on the market which are said to be effective, provided there is lio grease, etc., in the fleece. The directions ■ are given along with the dye mixture. Successful dyeing is work which calls for expert knowledge, much of which can only be gained by’ practical experience. “Health,” Timaru, asks : “(1) Is brewer’s yeast generally recommended as good for the”blood, and are there other benefits obtained when it is taken internally ? (2) Is yeast, taken in any shape or form, recommended as a blood purifier ? ” (1) This is a question for each-individual, and while in sonfle cases it has proved beneficial its use is reallv a matter for advice by your medical adviser. (2) In certain cases, yes. *

“Nature Study,” Enfield, sends a creature in a bottle, and wishes to have it classified. He also desires some explanation of its life history and habits. It w-as found upon drawing water from a house tank supplied by’ rain water. Professor Benham says : “ The insect belongs to the order Neuroptera (i.e., nerve-winged or net-winged), and is known as the dragon fly. The specimen submitted is the larva of the fly, the egg having been deposited in the water. The wormlike larvae (as seen in the specimen) have six legs and are provided with jaws; they are mostly aquatic, and (with some exceptions) pass through a quiescent pupa stage.” “Ranfurly ” asks : “(1) If a farmer paying the levy’ takes on two men yvho are out of employment and are also paying the levy’, what amount can he get from the Government to pay these men ? (2) Can a single women over 65 get the pension if she has no income and is living with relatives ? How much is it, and where will she apply for same ? ” — (1) Ten shillings per -week for a single man and £1 for a married man, providing our correspondent complies w’ith the details on the application form (obtainable from the local unemployment committee), and Parliament affirms the conditions prevailing early in the month. (2) Apply to the Pensions Department, Moray place, Dunedin, for application form and particulars. “Worker,” Southland, wishes to know (1) where to apply to become a marine engineer, (2) where to apply to become a wireless operator, and (3) the age one must be. (1) After serving apprenticeship in a foundry (not less than five years) a. candidate can sit for examination. A pamphlet (prion Is) with full particulars can be obttfned from the Government Shipping Office, Vogel street, Dunedin. (2) and (3) A thorough knowledge of ships radio apparatus is essential, also a knowledge of the regulations under the Radio Telegraph Convention of Washington,

1927. A pass in Morse operating at a speed of 16 words per minute (code group) and 20 words per minute (plain language) for a second class certificate. For a first class certificate 20 words per minute (code group) and 25 words per minute (plain language). There is a reputable radio school in Wellington (Johnston’s). The technical course should take about six to eight months, and Morse operating for a second class certificate about the same period.

“Timaru.” —We are repeating the answer to your inquiry regarding directions for making a non-fermenting paste for general purposes, as there . yvas a printer’s .error in the answer yve gave last yveek. Paste is usually made by smoothly rubbing up. flour with cold water until it is the required consistency, and boiling. If a little alum is added before boiling jt is much improved, being less clammy, working more freely in the brush, and is thinner, so that a less quantity is required. For a large quantity of paste use 41b of flour to Ilb of alum, mixed smooth with a little warm water. When.mixed the requisite quantity of boiling water should be poured on whilst the mixture is being stirred. A very good recipe for a better type of paste is as folloyvs: —(a) Flour, 31oz; yvater, Boz. (b) Salicylic acid. 15gr; yvater, 12oz. Mix the flour and the Boz of yvater thoroughly, seeing that no lumps occur. Boil the 12oz of yvater and add the salicylic acid, then stir in gently the mixture of flour and yvater and boil for five minutes. It is best to use a yvater jacket—that is. stand the pot containing the mixture inside a larger vessel containing boiling water. When the paste is cool add a feyv drops of oil of cloves.

“ Interested,” South Canterbury, sends a sample- of material which he w-ishes to have identified. “The stuff was found in the Burke’s Pass region about 1700 feet above sea level and in amongst the mountains. There are indications of bones and teeth (probably fishes’ teeth). These are to be found on top of black sandy material, but there are some impressions lower down, but probably the pressure has put most .of them out of sight. This material is to be found only in one place, and is in a very narrow strip about four feet wide, w , h ,ich appears to go down a considerable depth. It is surrounded on ° lle A lde very blue crumbly rock and on the other by crumbly brown rock, and the overburden is alluvial shingle. The rock seems to be the same nature as r that found at the Kurow Hydro Works, only much more crumbly. Would this material be of ’any use as a fertiliser or does it contain anything of any value ? —The material is known as a glaunitic mudstone, containing a kind of marine coral (Flabelluin), which may or may not contain potash. It probably does, but whether it is in sufficient quantity to be commercially profitable is a matter which can be determined only by chemical analysis. No deposit has yet been discovered in Neyv Zealand of any great commercial value. Subscriber,” Burke’s Pass, wishes to know- how to strychnine wheat for birds say 51b of wheat and how much strychnine. Strychnine - poisoned wheat made as follows has been found effective in combating small birds: Put 121 b of wheat in a box measuring. say, 18in by 12in. Make up a wineglassful of strong syrup by stirring three tablespoonfuls of sugar into that quantit.v of warm water. Take loz of strychnine and put about a fourth of it at a time into a porcelain mortar (placing the mortar first on a sheet of newspaper in case it may be spilled). Powder it up, and do similarly with the other three-fourths, emptying each fourth as powdered on to another sheet of paper. When it is all powdered, put the empty pestle and mortar into the wheat box, and rub them well over with some of the wheat to clean off the powder. If a spatula, stick, or bit of tin has been used to scrape the powder with, clean that with wheat in the same manner. Splash the syrup in small portions at a time over the wheat, and mix up thoroughly with both hands, standing the box all ways to get at the bottom layers, till, the wheat is all just moist (not wet) and very sticky to the touch. Sift some of the powdered strychnine over the top layer with the spatula or bit of tin and work with the hands. Sift some more, and repeat till it is all in. Rub the paper with the wheat, and set fire to the paper. Then give the lot a good working with the hands. Thoroughly wash the hands and utensils, and take every precaution. The wheat can be scattered in the usual way. “Old Times,” Gisborne, writes; “(1) I have a cow that gave birth to twin calves (a bull and heifer). I have sold the heifer, but am told that when twins are born of the opposite sex that the heifer will not breed, but had they both been heifer calves that they would Is this so ? (2) What would be the result of using a bull with heifers that were by the same sire but from cows that were no relation, or would it be advisable not to do so, and why ? ” “Agricola replies: (1) “The position appears to be as follows:—Where twins are born and both animals are of the same sex, both animals will breed. Where a heifer is twinned with a bull the heifer as a general rule will not breed, but the bull will prove a breeder. In most cases where a heifer is twinned with a bull the heifer is not a true female and does not have the fully developed female organs. This is explained on the basis that ordinarily the twins will be included in one membrane, and for some reason the circulation of the blood from one calf to the other tends to destroy the development

of the true female organs. If the twins are born in separate membranes, as is sometimes the case, a true heifer develops. This is somewhat ususual, but is the occasion that gives rise to the opinion that when a heifer is born twin to a bull she may prove to be a breeder. This happens so infrequently, that it is considered unwise to attempt to raise the heifer unless she may possibly have come from an extremely valuable cow and one desides to run the chance of her proving a breeder. Ordinarily the heifer calf is best disposed of for veal, but the bull may be raised for breeding purposes. (2) Breeding on the lines suggested is frequently done with good results. By inbreeding and selection breeders have before now built up enviable reputations.”

Subscriber,” Riversdale, asks : “(1) How should one treat a horse which has become very badly infested with large lice ? The animal is a young gelding and is in good condition, well fed, and cared for generally. (2) Is there any way in which to cure ‘ greasy heels ’? ” “Agricola ” replies : (1) Lice may be killed with any of the ordinary coaFtar sheep dips) made the same strength as for sheep. Choose a warm day, and use a stiff brush and rub dip into the hair all over the animal. This will kill the lice, but not the eggs, and it is necessary to do the job over again in. say, a week’s time, when the eggs will have hatched out. In obstinate cases a third dressing.may be necessary. See that all covers, etc., are soaked in the mixture and the stall or loosebox disinfected. Two methods recommended by the live stock division are as follows:—A kerosene emulsion, made with a solution of soap-water at a strength of 1 in 7, has good results. It is usual to apply a second application in about seven or eight days. A successful procedure is to clip the animal and burn the clippings, and at the same time dress any parts unclipped with a dressing of eight parts of fish oil and one part of petroleum. Rub this well into the roots of the hair. (2) Grease is caused by dirt, dust, grit, long exposure to damp, and wet legs in stable -with draught, along the floor. It occurs at the back of the pasterns and bulbs of the heel. In a' stallion it may be induced by overfeeding and want of exercise, combined with a dark, dirty loosebox. Some owners are too fond of washing the legs in muddy weather, which removes the natural oil from the coat. A good rubbing with dry straw at first, and then brushing is better treatment. When washed occasionally the lege must be thoroughly dried, especially at the heels if the hair is trimmed, and rubbed with dry bran or sawdust. Greasy heel Commences with red and thickened skin between the heels and the fetlock joint, then little blisters form and burst and leave cracks, the hair falls out. and offensive discharge takes place. For treatment, rest should be given at first to keep the cracks closed. A light diet, with an occasional bran-mash, is advisable. If taken early a mild astringent like vinegar is often effective in cases of grease. At a later stage of the disease the part should be washed thoroughly with warm water and soap, rinsed in Lysol solution of one dessertspoonful to the quart of water, and carefully dried. It will take some time to cure greasv heels —certainly a few weeks. Cleanliness is an absolute necessity in any case. It may' be necessary in severe cases thoroughly to clean and bran poultice if necessary’ the affected pa'rts. also wash the feet in some disinfectant, and dry- thoroughly. It is most essential that the parts should be as clean ‘ as a whistle’ and as dry as a bone. Then, and not till then, dab on once daily a solution of zinc sulphate loz, copper sulphate (bluestone) loz. and a quart of water, or, instead of using this solution, dab on formalin of a strength of not more than 4 per cent.”