26 NORTH AMERICAN INSECTS. 



and form of the spots on their wing-covers. Thus 

 we have 



Coccinella bi-punctata 

 " inimaculata 



" ursiaa 



«« 



novem-punctata 



■ and many others. 



These Beetles were, several years ago, recommend- 

 ed as a superior remedy for tooth-ache, which was 

 said to be immediately cured by putting one or two 

 mashed Lady-birds into the hollow tooth. I tried 

 this application in two instances, and the tooth-ache 

 was immediately relieved, but whether the remedy, 

 or the faith of the patient, acted therapeutically, or 

 the tooth ceased aching of itself, I confess I do not 

 pretend to know. Thousands of these insects may be 

 gathered in summer with the greatest ease, and may 

 be kept for many years in a bottle of alcohol, and 

 if any one wishes to test the therapeutic value of 

 the Coccinella he can try it. 



-Popular superstitions are sometimes beneficial in 

 their results, and this has often been the case with 

 the animals of which we speak. Thus the ancient 

 Egyptians regarded as sacred a certain dung Beetle 

 (Scarabseus Sacer), because by feeding on putrid sub- 

 stances, and consuming them, it purified the air and 

 thus proved beneficial to man. For the same reason 

 the Turkey-buzzard, on account of its destroying 



