138 Mr NicoFs Notice of Zircon found in the 
neck of a large specimen of Phoca leonina (Linn.), in our Mu- 
seum, I lately observed innumerable acari. 1 directed the skin 
to be carefully and repeatedly washed with a strong solution of 
corrosive sublimate in spirit, seemingly without much effect. 
Some of them even crawled among the hairs while still wet with 
this solution; but on brushing the part infested by these ver- 
min with oil of turpentine they speedily disappeared. 
Though similar facts are not unknown to naturalists, it is 
singular that this liquid has not been hitherto applied to pre- 
serve dried zoological specimens from insects ; and Natural His- 
tory will thereafter derive much benefit from this simple and 
effectual process. As far as I can judge, this method promises, 
from its cheapness, and easy application, “to be very useful, not 
only in collections of Natural History exposed to public view, 
but will materially abridge the labour, and save the precious 
time, of the scientific traveller in preserving his collections. It 
will also, I doubt not, prove an acceptable boon to furriers and 
other dealers in peltry *. 
Art. XXIII. — Notice of Zircon found in the 'primitive Island 
of Scalpay , on the East Coast of Harris. By William 
Nicol, Esq. Lecturer on Natural Philosophy. Communica- 
ted by the Author -f. 
The distribution of simple minerals in the various rock-for- 
mations of Scotland, has hitherto engaged comparatively little 
of the attention of mineralogists, geognosy being still, with the 
majority of naturalists, the favourite pursuit. However much 
we may feel disposed to exult in the striking discoveries and 
grand views of the mineral kingdom, opened up to us by the 
sagacity, skill, and enterprise of geologists ; still we cannot help 
expressing our regret that the minuter, although equally beau- 
tiful, displays of the subterranean world, as exhibited to the at- 
tention of the mineralogist in the various forms, structures, and 
arrangements of simple minerals, should have hitherto been so 
* Oil of turpentine is used in Ceylon in India for destroying bugs, a prac- 
tice also to be recommended for adoption in this country — Ed. 
f Read before the Wernerian Natural History Society 17th Dec. 1825. 
