302 TlMEHRI. 
or to inserts, is questionable. In the country distri6ls 
dampness is very destru6live, in fa6l, away from the 
winds of the coast, it is almost impossible to keep a few 
books in good condition during the rainy season. The 
covers become mouldy, the cloth separates from the sides, 
engravings become discoloured, and if the volumes 
are not well aired before the moisture has had time to 
develop mould, the leaves stick together and become a 
mass of rottenness. Black mould, blue mould and yellow 
mould, penetrate the substance of the paper, and if the 
back and covers have been pasted, they become the seat 
of a variety of fungi more interesting to the microscopist 
than to the unfortunate owner. A kind of mite 
(Cheyletus) is always found associated with mould from 
its earliest stages, but it does not appear to injure the 
book, while it is an indicator that the destructive agency 
has begun its work, and as such, ought to be noticed at once. 
In Georgetown there is not much difficulty in keeping the 
Library free from damp when suitable accommodation is 
provided. That books are being destroyed continually in 
the city however, the examples to be seen at Auction Sales 
very unpleasantly prove. Many of the Medical Practi- 
tioners keep their consulting rooms on the ground 
floor, and as the reference library is a necessary appen- 
dage, it is accommodated in the same place, in a book- 
case or on shelves, against the brick wall. In such 
situations the volumes soon become mouldy, and even if 
not allowed to become seriously damaged, they are very 
disagreeable to handle. To read a mouldy book is one 
of the most unpleasant tasks of a student. Sometimes it 
will be several months before the nasty smell is dissipated by 
a thorough airing. A set of new books in my possession, 
