THE RABBIT QUESTION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1691, 28 January 1888, Page 4

THE RABBIT QUESTION.

Paris, January 24.

M. Pasteur baa decided to send two of Iris assistants to Australia to conduct the experiments for iho extermination of the rnbbits, and he intimates that ho will be a competitor for tlio valuable reward (ffered by the New South Wales Government for the most effective means of extermination.

Mr 0. Langtree, in o letter to _ his brother, the permanent hend of the Mines Department in Victoria, has forwarded some notes of the result of a rpcent interview between himself and M. Pasteur, the eminent French chemist, on the subject of rabbit destruction in Australia. Mr Lnngtreo states that M. Pasteur undoubtedly takes a very great interest in the question, which he has evidently studied well, bis experiments extending ovsr a period of years. Ho proposes to m«ke further trials of his now method of rabbit destruction, although be declares himself already satisfied that the remedy he has proposed for the extermination of the pest will prove to be the best that can be devised. M. Pasteur expressed his intention ef sending a supply of iho microbes of chicken cholera to each of the Australian Governments, with instructions how to cultivate them. Great ere is necessary to ensure satisfactory results, and M. Paaleur think* it will be wise to send a man specially for the purpose of cultivating the microbes. Mr Langtree suggests that on receipt of the microbeß a careful trial should be made of M. Pastern's proposed remedy. The distinguished scientist assured him that there was ao need to fear that, under the Australian sun, the disease might prove dangerous to sheep, but he is of opinion that it would destroy haree and might possibly prove fatal to opossumc. A rabbit would live from eighteen to twenty.four hours after contracting the disease. It would not be necessary lo distribute the microbes more than once on any rabbit feeding ground. M. Pasteur is of opinion that tho roat of the sun in these colonies would not kib the microbes, but, bin chief assietant, Dr Bonn, believes other wi*e. Mr l,Hr.glrce's letter will bo forwarded to Mr 11. Brook, the officer in charge of the »diHui»ir.-.tinu of the Babbit Act.