James
 
In 1995 John Milner Associates excavated a Large privy in Boston, dating to
the 1690s.  Preservation was excellent and analysis included Insect analysis.
 This analysis proved to be very important in overall anaysis of the site.
 Not only were dung beetles found but several beetles which infested peas and
flour were identified.  These insects are signitures of plant types which
were not recovered from floatation or not represented in the pollen record.
 Together, the pollen, insect, and flora studies allowed for insight into
diet, spoilage, etc.  Further, the insect study pushed back the date of
introduction of 12 of the 13 introduced species found in the privy.
 
The analysis was udertaken by Allison Bain.  For more information you can
contact her at [log in to unmask]
 
jo
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