217 
RECOMMENDATIONS. 
The insects in the first category, two of which, as I have shown, have heen the 
cause of whatever excitement there has been on the subject, may be dismissed with- 
out further attention, as far as North America is concerned. These and other more 
or less cosmopolitan speeies will multiply wherever they have an opportunity, but 
can cause us no harm by dissemination, as they are already with us. It may be 
different with some of our foreign exhibitors, and it behooves the representatives of 
foreign countries to be careful and not take back with them our own grains, or other 
products that are infested, unless they are sure that the species already >ceur with 
them. Whenever exhibits are infested as they almost invariably are in artistic 
designs made of grains which are more or less exposed, it behooves the exhibitors 
Avho wish to preserve such designs for future exhibit, to disinfect them. 
In reference to the insects of the second category, Nos. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 
may also be dismissed without further consideration, especially from an agricultural 
point of view. No. 30 is also not of vital importance, but I would strongly urge 
that all the exhibits containing them be absolutely destroyed, or if distribution is 
contemplated, first thoroughly disinfected. The few remaining species, 31, 32, 33, 
and 34, are interesting and important, and I strongly urge that effecth r e measures be 
taken to either destroy the exhibits containing them or to thoroughly disinfect the 
same. 
MEANS OF DESTROYING UNDESIRABLE SPECIES. 
I have already, in official correspondence from Washington, in reply to specific 
questions, given recommendations for destroying the insects now working in the 
exhibits or of disinfecting said exhibits : First by the destruction of all living insects 
by submitting the exhibits to a temperature of over 200° F. either by dry heat or 
steam heat; secondly, by the use of the fumes of bisulphide of carbon. 
In either case, some large, air-tight receptacle must be provided into which the 
exhibit may be placed. A large galvanized iron tank, with properly grooved lid or 
other openings, and with shelving to accommodate the various small exhibits, would 
be useful for this purpose, and I would strongly recommend that such a disinfecting 
receptacle be built, which should be sufficiently strong to stand the amount of heat 
which I have suggested, and sufficiently tight to permit the use of the bisulphide of 
carbon where the heat can not be applied. The precautions necessary in using 
and the methods of using bisulphide of carbon are generally well understood, and it 
is only needful to state that it must be carefully used, as the fumes are very explo- 
sive. Being heavier than air, these fumes will sink to the bottom of any receptacle; 
hence it is best to place the vessel containing it in the upper portion of such recep- 
tacle. About \\ pounds are sufficient for a ton of grain. 
In the above report, I have said nothing of the insects affecting the woolens, furs, 
and skins, etc., on exhibit, as to enter into this subject would make this report much 
longer than I intend, and also because there is not, relatively, as much danger of 
foreign introductions, since from observation, and inferentially, they are likely to be 
species already with us and cosmopolitan. .Should occasion require, I will report on 
these later. 
Concluding, it may be safely stated that a careful and intelligent review of the 
state of things removes unnecessary apprehension and is, on the whole, gratifying, 
as the species which might prove undesirable and injurious introductions are ex- 
tremely few and easily managed, if the precautions which I have suggested be care- 
fully taken. 
I do not believe that dependence should be placed on any general orders such as 
that issued on the 3d instant, as experience shows that such general orders are rarely 
carried out. There must be somebody appointed whose duty it will be to see that 
the special work be done in the cases indicated, and that it be done thoroughly. If 
