124 NORTH AMERICAN INSECTS. 



because he pronounced the Cochineal to be an Insect. 

 But in 1714, the French Philosopher, Geoffroy, proved 

 the opinion of Plunder to be correct. By moistening 

 these supposed seeds in vinegar, Geoffroy was able to 

 detect the ringlets of its body, as well as its feet, and 

 accordingly pronounced, unhesitatingly, the Cochineal 

 to be an Insect. Buusscher, in Holland, held the 

 same opinion, and was publicly assailed for it, on 

 account of which he caused the Cochineal cultivators 

 to be summoned before the court of Antiguera, in 

 the valley of Oaxaca in Mexico, there to be examined 

 with regard to the origin and nature of these crea- 

 tures. The examination proved Buusscher's opinion 

 correct, and the Cochineal henceforth was considered 

 an Insect. This was probably the first instance in 

 which an animal was restored to its natural rights 

 by the decision of a Judicial Court.* And notwith- 

 standing it may be deemed out of place, I cannot 

 forbear the remark, that this decision of a court 

 should put to blush those who prevent the "fair 

 sex" from finding the same favour at the Court of 

 Human Bights. Truth and justice must eventually 

 prevail, and we trust the distinguished Mrs. Paulina 

 W. Davis, the amiable and persuasive philanthropist 

 of Woman's Bights, will yet see some of the results 



* Sec Naturlykc ITistorie von de Cocbenillc. Amsterdam, 1729. 



