The journal is the first of two volumes and documents the entomological work of Benjamin Dann Walsh, 1860-1866. Pages are numbered. The journal begins with a table of contents indicating on which page each year's entries begin. The first page of journal entries is headed with "Journal of Facts in Natural History." Entries are dated and include a range of details. Some summarize or cite publications. Most entries are narrative in style and describe collecting in the region of his home. They begin with a description of where specimens were found, discussion of environment including vegetation, followed by detailed descriptions of insect specimen (combination of type, stage of development, sex, appearance of anatomy with measurements and coloration, diet, sometimes behavior). Entries also include lists of specimens (number, type, and location); discussion of lab work; and personal observations with quotes from other students, observers, and journals, often relating to economic aspects of entomology. There are also attached and loose sketches of insects. Includes pasted news clippings about insect infestations. At the end of the volume are notes from the proceedings of the Rock Island County Branch of the Kansas Settlers Society of Chicago Illinois, June 12-25, 1856, as well as a list of correspondents. Locations include but may not limited to sites in Illinois. Locations are often specified by county, town or property owner's name, without indicating state.
Many of SIA's holdings are located off-site, and advance notice is recommended to consult a collection. Please email the SIA Reference Team at osiaref@si.edu.