Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 003.djvu/12

 printed;) but also to gnaw the props which support the Cottages, that they fall? And whether the remedy against the latter mischief is, to turn the ends of the Wood that is fixed in the ground; or to rub the Wood with the Oyl of that kind of Palma Christi (a Plant) wherewith the Natives rub their Heads to secure them from Vermin.

32. Whether that sort of Vermin called Ravets, spare nothing of what they meet with (either of Paper, Cloths, Linnen, and Woollen) but Silk and Cotton?

33. Whether the little Cirons called Chiques, bred out of dust, when they pierce once into the Feet, and under the Nails of the Toes, do get ground of the whole body, unless they be drawn out betimes? And whether at first they cause but a little itch, but afterwards having pierced the skin, raise a great inflammation in the part affected, and become in a small time as big as Pease, producing innumerable Nits, that breed others.

As to Inquiries, concerning Earths and Minerals, that my be taken out of Numb. 19. and as for such, which concern the constitution of the Air, Winds, and Weather, they are to he met with in Numb. 11.

To which latter sort may be added touching Hurricans, Whether those terrible Winds, which are said to have formerly happen'd in those parts but once in 7 years, do now rage once in two years, and sometimes twice, yea thrice in one year? And whether they are observed never to fall out but about the Autumnal Equinox; as 'tis affirmed, that in the East-Indies beyond the Line, they never happen but about the Vernal? Whether they are preceded with an extream Calm, and the Rain which falls a little before be bitterish and salt? And whether Birds come timely down by whole flocks from the Hills, and hide themselves in the Valleys, lying close to the ground, to secure themselves from the Tempest approaching? Rh