NOTES AND QUERIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1866, 26 August 1887, Page 20

NOTES AND QUERIES.

Subscriber.— The only two flax mills that we know of at present working in Ofcago are those of Messrß Crane Bros., Waihola, and Weir Bros., Taieri Beach. Farmer, South. — Your uncle's daughter's children are your second cousins. Sebkbr after Truth.— (l) We have submitted this question to the best authorities in town without any satisfactory reply being received. One authority whom we have consulted says :— I can find no official statistics to answer the question ; nor do I see how there oould be any, seeing that the whole affair is in the hands of local bodies and not in those of Government officials. (2) We could scarcely spare the space at present, but should feel inclined to entertain the proposal during the early part of next year. (3) We have no statistics at hand, but are making inquiries, and if successful shall reply in due course. (4) Lignite ashes are injurious to plant life if applied fresh, but are beneficial if dug into heavy clay land after being subjected to atmospheric influences for a few weeks l F. H. M,— (l) We presume yon mean oil of lemoHs, which is extracted from the minute cells which are visible on the rhind by submitting the rhind of the fruit to pressure in hair sacs. It may also be obtained by distilling the peel in water, but its flavour when obtained in this way is less agreeable, although the oil itself is purer, owing to the absence of mucilaginous matter. The distilled oil is sold under the name of scouring drops, for removing grease spots from silks and other fabrics. Pure oil of lemon is mainly composed of hydrocarbon, citron or eitronyl, 010 HB, which is consequently isometic with oil of turpentine, with which it is often adulterated. It is principally used for the purpose of communicating an agreeable odour to other medicines, although it is sometimes taken in the dose of two or three drops on sugar as a carminative. From its agreeable scent it is often added to evaporating lotions, and to ointments. (2) Not that we are aware of, but we should say it would be scarcely possible to eat very much of it. A Political Admirer. — In Dunedin, on December 27, 1876. Subscriber. — (1) Apple and plum trees should be planted from 10ft to loft apart. (2) " Jyouatt on the Hor6e," 9s 6d ; posted, 10s tfd ; at Mr A. Sligo's, George street. MacGuibk. — Inch mesh fishirig netting in 50yd pieces ie obtainable at Mr John Edmond's, Princes street ; price, 20s to 255. Mr F. S. Kvery, Anderson's Bay, does work of this kind, and would supply you with a smaller quantity if desired. Pomologist.— Messrs Nimmo and Blair have spraying machines for orchard use in stock ; price, 40s. A cheaper apparatus may be obtained for small orchards, at a cost of from 12s 6d to 21s, from the firm mentioned or from Mr George Matthews, Moray place. Old Maid.— lt should have been stated in reply to your question as to bleaching a sponge that* the proportion of muriatic acid to be used is 1 in 10; if used too strong the sponge' will be injured. The method to be adopted, is (—To clean the* sponge a, ,

solution of permangate of potash in water is prepared of such 'strength that it appears of a wine , colour. Immerse the sponge and allow it to re. maiii for some time. When the cleansing jg effected put into a solution of 10 partß of wate« and one of muriatic acid, when sufficiently purified squeeze out and wash in spring water to free from the acid. > .E.P., Wyndham.— Yes ; put the dry clothes into the hoiling water and kerosene. Follow the directions given without fear ; however inexplicable it may seem the dirt will be extracted without previous soaking or any rubbing whatever. Simpson.— Boxing gloves vary in price according to quality. They may be had at 15s, 20b, and 255, at Jacobs', Princes street. F. H. O —The recipe for the cure of diphtheria which you ask for is no doubt that of Dr Greathead. It is :— Get a small bottle of sulphurous acid (not sulphuric acid, or vitriol, which is poisonous, while sulphurous acid is harmless) Mix about a tablespooriful of the acid in a Bnmli teacupful of water. Gargle with a tablespoonful of this every hour till the white begins to disappear from the throat, when it may be used less frequently for a few days more. Drink a teaspoonful of the same mixture in a little water every three or four hours. We shall, in our next issue, reprint the whole article on the subject contributed to our columns some years since by F. A. J. De Conde. J A. S. S. asks :— What is the best way to clean the charcoal of a glass filter?— Take out the charcoal and brush the top and sides well with a small stiff brush, such as a nail brush. Then place in a me or funnel and pour boiling water through the charcoal till it ia free from all taste and smell. Finally pour over the charcoal about a pint of boiling water, to which a wineglassful of white wine vinegar has been added. Eejectthe first quart of filtered water when using. Subscriber, Garston.— (l) Dr Livingtone's " Second Expedition to Africa " is not to be had in Dunedin but it may be ordered through Braithwaite, at a cost of 9s. (2) The County Councils Act may be obtained at Sligo's, George street ; price, 3s 6d. Subscriber, Hivewdale.— The statement of facts i 8 not sufficient to enable us to adviße. Consult a solicitor. Doune Laddie asks:— lf. according to Scotch law, in the event of one finding a sum of money, and taking it to a police office, can the finder dtmani so much per cent, of amount found, or if he is rewarded only at the option of the owner ?— So far as we can ascertain it is only at the option of the owner. H. S.— The Town and County Police Ordinance is repealed. Inquirer asks -.—When a boundary fence of gorse requires cutting, can I, after having served a written notice, cut both sides and charge one-half to ray neighbour ? Also, what time must elapse before I can start ?— We do not think you can do this at all. Constant Reader asks :— Am I entitled to claim any article of fencing on my deferred-payment section, left there by the lessee before the section was surveyed as a deferred-payment section. The section has been Jn my possession for four years, and the former lessee now claims the old wire, &c— We consider you are entitled to the fencing. H.J.S.— Came to hand too late for Sporting this week. Will appear in next issue. J.F.W.— Ditto. Amateub.— A. and T. Burt, Stuart street. J. G. and Faith, Hopb, and Charity.— Crusbed out of this issue ; will probably appear next week.