REPORT OF THE CIRATOR OF LINN. ASSOCI. 79 



moths, which commit dreadful ravages. Various methods of extermina- 

 ting these shameless marauders have been suggested and practised. Some 

 put lumps of camphor into their drawers of insects or bird skins — others 

 smear the sides with turpentine, or drop it on a piece of sponge or cot- 

 ton fastened to the bottom with a pin. Both of these modes may be 

 effectual to some extent, but baking drawers and all, if they are not too 

 large, is after all the most eflbctual. That eminent practical naturalist 

 Titian Peale, now of Washington, some years ago invented an oven for 

 this purpose, which suits the purpose admirably ; but I think I have 

 found out a more simple plan, which 1 have successfully practised, 

 which, besides, has the great advantage of costing nothing. I keep my 

 insects in boxes with a cover fitting lightly, and, notwithstanding, these 

 villainous larvae will get in. 1 take the cover off and stand the box, 

 with the open side downward, on the stove. If the stove is too hot, so 

 as to scorch the wood, I put four pieces of hard clay, or plaster of Paris, 

 or any incombustible substance, on the stove and stand the box on 

 them. As soon as the insects get a little warm, the ravenous depreda- 

 tor feasting in the abdomen of one, pokes out his nose to see what's 

 the matter. He feels that the place is getting uncomfortable, and tries to 

 escape. In that attempt he falls on the stove, where he meets with a 

 warmer reception than he desires. It is on the same principle that men 

 instantly leave a place that "is getting too hot" for them. Drawers of 

 insects may be treated in the same way, and I can assure all who choose 

 to try it, that it is perfectly efleclual. This mode will answer better for 

 beetles than butterilies, but if carefully done, the wings of the latter will 

 not be injured by the heat. M. 



EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT OF THE CURATOR, 



Read before the Liiina>an Association, Dec. 14, 1844. 



Since the last report of the Curator, there has been a large accession 

 to the collection in our museum. Almost every department of it has 

 been more or less increased. Donations have been received of birds, 

 shells, crabs, lobsters, minerals, Indian curiosities, coins, continental 

 money, pictures, dried plants, human skulls, and some other parts of the 

 human body, anatomically prepared. Most of these things have been 

 presented to the Association by honorary members. Especially are the 

 thanks of this Association due to 3lr. Schlegel, of Winchester, Va. for 

 that choice selection of beautiful and well prepared birds, which he has 

 sent us, and to the Rev. Mr. Conrad, for that munificent donation of 

 minerals and Indian curiosities, which he has presented to the associa- 



