SCIENCE SIFTINGS

New Zealand Tablet, 6 March 1919, Page 46

SCIENCE SIFTINGS

By “Volt.”

Influence of Snow. Snow has its advantages as well as drawbacks. It is Nature’s means of protection, and the springing blades of wheat coming through the surface of the soil feel not the biting wind or nipping frost if they are safely protected by a mantle of snow. . It is said, too, by those who have made close investigations as scientists, that there are fertilising properties in the snow which are helpful to crops, and thus in her own way Nature does her bit to help the cultivator, apart from the provision of protection and moisture. Underground Canal. The most remarkable canal in the world is the one between Worsley and St. Helens, in the North of England. It is sixteen miles long and underground from end to end. In Lancashire the coalmines are very extensive, half the county being undermined. Many years ago the managers of the Duke of Bridgewater’s Estates thought. they could save money by transporting the coal underground instead of on the surface; therefore, the canal was constructed and the mines connected and drained at the same time. Ordinary canal boats are used, the power being furnished by men. The tunnel arch over the canal is provided with crosspieces, and the men who do the work of propulsion lie on their backs on the loads of coal, and push with their feet against the crossbars of the roof. Sunstroke. It is not often that people in New Zealand run much risk of sunstroke, but the fierce heat sometimes experienced makes a warning or two necessary (says an exchange). Sunstroke usually follows exposure of the top and back of the head and the back of the neck to prolonged sun-heat, and it is therefore these parts which need particular attention. A hat which shades the face but leaves the back of the head uncovered or unprotected is quite useless, although women who dress their hair low on the nape of the neck have an additional protection in this. A scarf or thick veil wound round the hat and allowed to fall at the back so as to cover the neck and upper part of the shoulders is as much as is usually necessary in this climate. Needless to say, a hat or head covering of some sort should always be worn when the sun is very hot, or a bad headache, at the very least, is likely to ensue. Should sunstroke occur it must be treated at once. The patient should lie down in a cool, airy room, and cold water should be poured over his head and temples. Iced water or ice should, be applied to the crown and front of the head, and constant fanning should be kept up to create a current of air. The room Should be darkened, and the patient should lie flat on the back with his head slightly raised. A doctor should be sent for at once. Sunstroke is easily mistaken by the layman for apoplexy or intoxication. Many of the symptoms are similar, those peculiar to sunstroke being convulsions, the rapid shallow pulse, and the intensely hot, burning condition of the skin. This latter symptom is very marked.