SPECIES INJURIOUS TO WOOLEN GOODS, ETC. 69 



It would be luore convenient, however, to so iiielose or wrap up sucli 

 material as to prevent the access of the moths to it, after it has once 

 been thoroughly treated and aired. This can be easily effected in the 

 case of clothing- and furs by wrapping them up tightly in stout pajjer, 

 or inclosing in well-made bags of cotton or linen cloth or strong paper. 

 Dr. Howard has adopted a plan which is inexpensive and which he 

 has found eminently satisfactory. For a small sum he secured a num- 

 ber of the large pasteboard boxes such as tailors use, and in these 

 packs away all winter clothing, gumming a strip of wrapping paper 

 around the edge, so as to seal up the box completely and leave no 

 cracks. These boxes with care will last many years. With thorough 

 preliminary treatment it will not be necessary to use the tar-impregnated 

 paper sacks sold as moth i)rotectors, which may be objectionable on 

 account of the odor. 



The method of i)rotection adopted by one of the leading furriers of 

 Washington, who also has a large business and experience in storing 

 costly furs, etc., is practically the course already outlined. 



Furs, etc., when received are first most thoroughly and vigorously 

 beaten with small sticks, to dislodge all loosened hair and the larva? or 

 moths. They are then gone over carefully with a steel comb and packed 

 away in large boxes lined with heavy tar roofing paper, or in closets 

 similarly lined with this paper. An examination is made every two to 

 four weeks, and, if necessary at any time, any garment requiring it is 

 rebeaten and combed. During many years of experience in this climate, 

 which is especially favorable to moth damage, this merchant has pre- 

 vented any serious injury from moths. 



A common method of protection followed by larger dealers in carpets 

 and furs, etc., is the use of cold storage for protection. In all large 

 towns anyone can avail liimself of this means by patronizing storage 

 companies, and protection will be guaranteed. A temperature main- 

 tained at 40° F. is protective, but often ^ much lower temperature is 

 maintained — down to 20^ F. 



In the case of cloth-covered furniture and cloth-lined carriages which 

 are stored or left unnsed for considerable periods in summer it will 

 probably be necessary to spray them twice or three times, viz, in April, 

 June, and August with benzine or naphtha, to protect them from moths. 

 These substances can be applied very readily with any small spraying 

 device and will not harm the material, but caution must be exercised 

 on account of their infiammability. .Another means of protecting such 

 articles is to sponge them very carefully with a dilute solution of corro- 

 sive sublimate in alcoliol made just strong enough not to leave a whire 

 stain. 



C. L. M. 



