APRIL, 1900. 
PROCEEDINGS 
71 
'The applications of taxidermy intended for the instruction and 
entertainment of the pubHc were considered. Among those men- 
tioned were the making of elaborate groups of animals in which 
their natural surroundings were accurately reproduced, of sets 
illustrating the life histories of birds or other creatures and of 
series of familiar animals, such as dogs, domestic fowls or pigeons. 
The methods of preparing skins for the purpose of the student 
and scientist were described, and the care of museum specimens 
discussed. 
Thorough poisoning, daylight, and frequent handling will pre- 
vent insect depredation. For specimens, however, that had be- 
come infected, Mr. Shrosbree had found that spraying with tur- 
pentine and then placing the specimens in an air-tight box for 
twenty-four hours was most efficacious in destroying the larvae of 
Dcrincstcs, while for moths and Dcriiicstcs in the beetle form he 
recommended naphtha. 
Dr. H. Dorner followed with an exceedingly interesting and 
lengthy paper on "The Giant Squid and its Allies." The structure 
of this largest and least known of the mem])ers of the Cephalopod 
family was described in detail and illustrated by charts picturing 
in colors the form and anatomy of the creature. The habits of 
other members of the squid or decapod group were described, and 
then Dr. Dorner gave the results of his observations upon mem- 
bers of the octopod or cuttlefish group, whose habits he had had 
many opportunities of studying, during four years' connection 
with the Hamburg museum. The color changes of these animals 
were described and had been found to depend upon the tempera- 
ture of the water and the animal's vitality. The holding- power 
of the suckers on the arms of the cuttlefish he had found to be 
comparatively weak, at least while it was in captivity. A criticism 
of Victor Hugo's description of the devilfish, and remarks on the 
utility of these creatures and the part played by them in nature 
closed the paper. 
At this meeting Mr. Hugo Lutz and Mr. Herman Pereles were 
made ordinary meml^ers of the society, and Mr. F. M. Benedict, 
of Waupaca, a corresponding member. • 
W. J. BENNETTS, Secretary. 
