TRANSACTIONS OF WARSAW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 235 



When we come to look over the whole field of insects, we find that only about one 

 species in two hundred is injurious ; or, in other words, out of eveiy two hundred 

 species of insects, one hundred and ninety-nine are either useful or at least harmless. 

 If it were not for insects many plants with deep corollas would fail to become fertilized, 

 and would therefore become extinct for want of the instrumentality of these busy 

 foragers, who in their search for honey carry the fertilizin<i; pollen from flower to flower. 



" And the benefits which insects confer upon mankind are in some instances much 

 more direct than this. The bee gives us our richest sweet; and the silkworm furnishes 

 at once the most beautiful and the most durable of fabrics with which virgin youth en- 

 hances its charms, and matronly age enshrines its respectability. 



" But the most important part which insects fulfill in the economy of nature is that 

 of scavengers. Many extensive families of insects are devoted to this useful office. 

 Some live in the wood or under the bark of decaying trees ; some feed upon fungi ; some 

 inhabit manure ; and others are found exclusively in the carcasses of dead animals. It 

 is the province of these various insects to hasten the decomposition of dead and offensive 

 substances, partly by feeding upon them, and partly by burrowing through them in every 

 direction, and thus exposing them to the action of the elements. Were it not for the 

 performance of this humble but indispensaljle work, on the j)art of insects, it is reason- 

 able to believe that the atmosphere would become filled with noxious exhalations, and 

 that the earth itself would become uninhaljilable by mankind. 



" But the balance which exists in the state of nature between the world of insects 

 and that of plants, we know by sad experience sometimes becomes seriously deranged, 

 and certain species of insects become disastrously numerous ; and we also know that it 

 demands all our ingenuity and perseverance to hold them in check." 



This remark introduced the practical di.scussion of the subject. 



Here the Doctor entered into the more practical details concerning 

 the habits and transformation of insects. It was in their larval or imma- 

 ture state that they committed their ravages mostly, especially with the 

 lepidopterous and coleopterous species. Inquiry was made, what effect did the 

 cold winter have on insects ? He stated that insects living in the atmo- 

 sphere, inured to changes of temperature and constitutionally adapted to 

 the seasons, were not easily killed. He spoke of the striped bug, curculio 

 and codling moth, which perhaps have done more injury, or caused the 

 loss, in value, of more fruits than any other insect. He had treated of 

 this insect in his forthcoming annual report, which he sup])0se(l would be 

 published soon. The codling moth, he said, was among the hidden, 

 stealthy insects, not attracted by light, shy and seldom seen. The only 

 feasible means of warring against it was by trapping it by bandages around 

 the trees. In large orchards, the expense might be lessened by using 

 coarse, heavy paper. He thought its extermination possible, if communi- 

 ties would act in concert. He spoke of the birds and their offices in less- 

 ening the hordes of noxious insects infesting the orchards and larms : they 

 were man's best co-workers, and were it not for their efficient labors, 

 insects would scourge the land. 



Here the inquiries from members were numerous. 



While Mr. Willis was speaking of the codling moth, Mr. Hoppe 

 entered, interrupting the speaker with an apology that it was not parlia- 

 mentary, but he wished to invite the company to another room for dinner. 

 Mr. Willis gave way to a motion for recess. All the members now be- 

 came active working members, responding vigorously to tiie work belore 

 them, the Secretary only remaining, using the pencil. Four vases of 



