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[Page 2]
when a skin is once infected with these vermin, the only method of preserving it is baking. I tried every thing that I could get, but all to purpose; and the present skins that I have sent you, must have been infected too late in the season for the larvae to remain, otherwise they would have been totally destroyed. Since I had the above misfortune I have collected several skins, but as I have kept them apart from the infected ones, I was afraid to venture to send them, even if they were put in a separate box. In future I mean to preserve all the skins in [indecipherable], as I am inclined to think it is likely to answer.
I have another unpleasant affair to mention, that is, concerning the Porcupine Ant eater which I informed you of in my last. It fell into my hands, and as it had been kept some time, & said to eat, I was unwilling to have it killed, & had a strong box made to keep it in. Going to Hunters river a few days after I received it, I left a strict charge concerning it. One day it was thought to be unwell, & had more liberty given it, in consequence of which it made its escape. And what is most singular, though soon missed, & a slow paced animal, it got clear of, though a strict search was made both by men & dogs. It was said to be the largest ever seen. Its strenght was almostly incredible, particularly when in the ground. Though it was said to eat, yet I am of a contrary opinion, & that what nourished it received after it was caught, was from its own fat by a regress into the veins, & which must be the case with all other [indecipherable] animals. The one from Van Dieman's land is a distinct species, & much smaller. I understand it is very common in some places. The New South Wales species may be considered as a rare one. Colonel Paterson informs me he sent you 2 water moles by the Calcutta. I have been very unfortunate in procuring the different sorts of Kangaroo skins & the other animals that you are much in want of, but I expect I shall yet be able to accomplish it, & give you their natural history.