Department of Entomology records now digitized
November 16, 2012
Contributed by Kristi Krueger
A collection of papers from the NCSU Entomology Department are now available online through the Cultivating a Revolution Project .
Contained in this collection is a folder of copies of letters written mostly during the 1930’s by Zeno Metcalf . Metcalf was the head of the Department of Zoology and Entomology for almost 40 years, 1912-1950. He also served as Entomologist to the State Agricultural Experiment Station, and in this position, Metcalf received letters from people around the state with concerns about insects, arachnids, and other critters.
In one letter, Metcalf advises a woman on how to set up an aquarium for her goldfish and treat them for fungus. It’s pretty interesting to read how one made fish gravel at home eighty years ago.
Let’s hope Mrs. Weatherman cooled the boiled water before adding her fish to the tank!
Other letters include answering questions on frog farming
and on caring for one's pet pigeons!
To read more of Zeno Metcalf’s cordial replies to the public, click here and to view more of the Department of Entomology Records that are now online, click here .