Cristin -

This isn't all that different an issue from "live plants and flowers" being
used near collections. Dead flora and fauna can still transport and attract a
whole host of pests into a museum of historic house.

So, it's best to use faux materials - either something you can acquire ready
made or you can get a few crafty volunteers to do molds of some branches (in
silicone rubber or plaster of paris) and then do casting from the molds to make
to replica pieces.

I know several of my colleagues in conservation who do the same thing in
making period faux foods for use in exhibits and historic house settings.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California  USA

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