Hi, Bob.

I collected plant and soil samples during the wet season in Kibale National
Park, Uganda, several years ago.  Richard Wrangham (Harvard) had a drying
room built for drying plants and seeds, which was available to me.  It was
a small room with an "oven" (wire mesh with wooden support frame) that was
heated by a kerosene lantern.  It often took 2-4 days to dry plants.  The
kerosene lantern is dangerous and must be watched at all times (you don't
want to cook samples, and you don't want to start a fire).  I also waited
for sunny times and would dry samples in the sun.

Another problem:  Ants.  Especially if you're trying to dry sugary fruit
pulp.  My advice: Keep a watchful eye on drying samples.

Best wishes,
Melinda L. Carter
Director, Human Osteology
Illinois State Museum
1011 East Ash Street
Springfield, IL  62703
Phone: (217) 785-7229
E-mail: [log in to unmask]