5

INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH, RANGOON, FOR THE YEAR 1937.

     (v) Larvivorous Fish—(a) Breeding.—The breeding of larvivorous fish
(Gambusia affinis) was continued at this Institute. The results were
encouraging in that there were 35,271 fish by the end of the year as compared
to 1,683 of the previous year.

     (b) Distribution.—A total of 10,463 larvivorous fish were distributed to
nine districts during the year.

     Chemical Laboratory.—Eight hundred and thirty-five samples
were examined during the year of report:—

     Foods and Drugs.—A statement showing details of miscellaneous foods
and drugs examined during the year is appended. These samples were
mainly received from the Port Health Department.

       Ghee.—Of the 16 samples found adulterated or otherwise unsatisfactory,
eight were slightly and five highly adulterated. The remaining three, although
genuine, were found to be rancid and were unsatisfactory on this account.

       Rice.—Thirty-nine samples of rice out of a total of 105 samples received,
were found to be below 0.37 per cent. in phosphoric anhydride content. The
following table shows rice samples grouped according to their phosphoric
anhydride content:—

     Sesame Oil.—The sample received under that name was, on examination,
found to consist entirely of ground-nut oil.

       Lime Juice.—Of the two samples examined, one was found to be about
50 per cent. adulterated.

    INVESTIGATIONS.—The following investigations were carried out by the
staff of the Institute during the year under report:—

       (1) Experiments to find out comparative values of Cyanogas "A" Dust
and Cymag as destroyers of rats and rat fleas. (Report submitted with this
office letter No. 392—18P.-2, dated the 19th January 1938.)

       (2) Experiments with a proprietory portable filter. (Report submitted
with this office endorsement No. 5079—13P.-13, dated the 23rd September
1937.)