IMPORTANCE OF APHIDES 



189 



but if indeed the Aphid vastator may be regarded as the root 

 of the evil more properly the evil of the root, it confers 

 assuredly on its tiny tribe a grave importance which none can 

 be inclined to dispute, when they cast a backward glance on 

 the face of Europe, dwelling chiefly on that island blot, 

 unhappy Ireland. 



The ' ' feeble race " of Aphides is in truth not to be despised 

 as an agent of disfigurement and devastation, though their 

 injurious powers have probably been over-rated. Even in 

 poetic justice it is hardly perhaps admissible to call them 

 "sons of vengeance," after having seen in their appointed 

 destroyers, the " sons of mercy " sent for counteraction of their 

 mischief. We would rather, at all events, in bidding farewell 

 to these myriads of the leaf, contemplate them under a more 

 agreeable aspect ; as recipients, namely, of life and enjoyment, 

 living only, so far as concerns their insect brethren, to imbibe 

 and to impart of sweets. 



Clif 1'iutm tuolf tnttii' 



