80 MILLS. [1899 



and moths. Are they native, or have they come from some foreign 

 comitry, say in the Wheat? (We use Wheats from all parts of the 

 world.) How are we to get rid of them, and kill the eggs ? In 

 answering this please note that nothing with a strong smell can be 

 used, as flour takes a smell from anything very easily. 



"We may tell you that our mill has been working for the past 

 twelve years or more, and until now we have never seen the slightest 

 sign of a maggot or moth in it." 



On Dec. 8th, after some preliminary observations relatively to my 

 reply to their enquiries, my correspondents farther remarked : — 



"At present we are continuing cleaning the mill as best we can, 

 and have taken tons of the ' spun flour ' and maggots out and burned 

 them in the furnace. 



"We are going to consult" [here the name of a well-known 

 chemist was given. — E. A. 0.] " as to whether he understands and will 

 undertake to fumigate the mill with bisulphide of carbon, or can get 

 us someone who does understand it. If he cannot, perhaps you will 

 assist us. However, before doing anything further in this direction, 

 we will have to get the permission of the insurance companies, as it 

 might vitiate our insurances. 



" Of course our mill is entirely stopped, and it will take us many 

 weeks if not months before we will get started again. We need hardly 

 tell you that this is a very serious loss. 



" We have no objection whatever to your publishing the facts of 

 the case, provided you do not mention anything to identify it with 

 our mill." 



In regard to the appearance and habits of Ephestla knhniella, the 

 moth may be generally described as of a grey colour, with the fore 

 wings, which are about seven-eighths of an inch in expanse, of a grey- 

 ground colour, with various lighter and darker markings, and the 

 hinder wings of a dirty white. But for technical reference I give the 

 detailed description by Mons. Danysz, quoted from his work, referred 

 to below -■'- : — • 



" Distinctive characteristics of the species. — The Ephestia is a moth 

 of from ten to fourteen millimetres in length " [two-fifths to rather 

 less than three-fifths of an inch. — E. A. 0.] " and of a more or less 

 decided grey. The head is of a deep tint, and bears long antennte. 

 The thorax is clouded with grey and black ; the abdomen is greyish. 

 The upper wings are of a rather deep grey with some white dots. The 

 hinder edge of these wings bears a series of black dots, in line one 



* ' Ephestia kulniiella, Parasite cTes Bles, des Farines et des Biscuits. Histoire 

 Naturelle du Parasite et Moyens de le Detruire.' Par J. Danysz (Directeur du 

 Laboratoire de Parasitologie de la Bourse de Commerce). ' M^moires du Labora- 

 toire de Parasitolouie VcRetale de la Bourse de Commerce.' Paris. ISd'S. 



