BUGS. 12Y 



houses on the Prickly-pear and other species of Cactus, 

 and it might easily be raised in many parts of our 

 country for amusement or experiment, but owing 

 to the high price of manual labour we could not 

 at present, and probably never, compete with Mexico 

 in cultivating it as an article of commerce. 



The Spaniards have imported this Insect into 

 Spain, and the French into Algiers, but with what 

 success they will cultivate it, is as yet problematical, 

 as the former are not sufficiently encouraged by their 

 rulers, and the latter prefer the sight and sound of 

 swords, guns, and bayonets, to the more pleasant and 

 profitable pursuits of Agriculture. 



Another species of Shield-louse, although not a 

 native of North America, deserves a passing notice 

 on account of its great utility in the production of 

 a most important material for manufacture and com- 

 merce : this is 



The " Coccus Lacca," a native of Indostan. This 

 Scale Insect is found upon the branches of Banian 

 trees (Ficus religiosa), and several other trees and 

 shrubs, where it secretes from its body a hard, gummy 

 substance, adhering to the branches like a crust, 

 and well known in commerce by the name of shell- 

 lac. This substance is a most invaluable material 

 in the manufacture of varnishes, sealing-wax, beads, 

 arm-bracelets, necklaces, water-proof hats, &c, and 



