( 313 ) 



XIII. The Natural History of Xylocopa Teredo and Horia macu- 

 lata. By the Rev. Lansdown Guilding, B.A. F.L.S. 



Read Ju7ie 4, 1822. 



Insects, though seemingly the most insignificant of animal 

 beings, have an important task assigned them by our great and 

 good Creator. Though the period of their activity and existence 

 is soon closed, and their size appears contemptible, nothing can 

 long resist their attacks. Their utility is equal to their power. 

 In innumerable instances they conduce to the comforts and plea- 

 sures of the human race ; but it is chiefly, perhaps, as scaven- 

 gers that they are serviceable in the boundless field of nature. 

 Without the labours of these puny agents the atmosphere would 

 abound in effluvia fatal to life. Without their aid, the low and 

 lovely plants that adorn our valleys, the stately tenants of our 

 forests, with all their parasites, would want room for develop- 

 ment. If man be sometimes a miserable sufferer from the united 

 or unrestrained attacks of these active invaders of his rights, he 

 cannot, on reflection, but confess, that they are wisely and kindly 

 given for the general welfare of the universe. The decompo- 

 sition of timber hastening to decay, is accelerated by no insect, 

 perhaps, more than by the Bee, which is the subject of this 

 communication. Independent of its singular habits, the striking 

 difference of the sexes will, I doubt not, render the species worthy 

 of the notice of the Linnean Society. The description of its de- 

 structive parasite has been added to make its history complete. 



St. Vincent, Jan. 1, 1822. 



HYMEN- 



