180 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



crop of appleB is reported from Williamson county, and the eastern river counties had 

 an average production. The strawberry was supposed to have escaped with the loss 

 of such buds as were sufficiently opened to be killed by the aforesaid freeze, and, as 

 there were no more opened than could be readily spared, an abundance of that fruit 

 was still anticipated. That plant itself seemed to entertain the same opinion, and 

 bloomed till the fields were white. But another difficulty was encountered. Two 

 weeks of cold, rainy weather followed, and the blossoms which had made so vigorous 

 and healthy appearance were washed clean of all fertilizing properties, and their fruit- 

 ing prevented. In one instance where preparations were made for shipping 12,000 qts., 

 less than 1,200 were gathered, and in general not over one -fourth of an average crop 

 was harvested. 



At this time the prospect everywhere for a full crop in 1869, is entirely satisfactory ; 

 and as we do not expect lightning to strike twice in the same place, the next report 

 from this district will undoubtedly show horticulturists with round faces and full 

 purses. 



South Pass, III., Dec. 10, 1868. 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ENTOMOLOGY — SOUTH DISTRICT. 



The Mantis Carolina is a marvel of patience and the very personification of faith. It 

 quietly sits, its arms folded in the attitude of devotion, and, as if firmly believing in the 

 direct interposition of Divine Providence in its behalf, awaits the approach of the un- 

 suspicious insects which is its natural food. Though it requires many small insects 

 daily, it never loses its firm trust, nor impatiently starts in pursuit of its victim, even 

 if it lingers a long time in sight. And yet I have seen men of full stature and mature 

 years, with long sticks, beat to death the friend of humanity, believing it to be 

 extremely poisonous, and withal, a very dangerous neighbor. On the 13th of May last, 

 a gentleman presented me with a bug, which, at great personal risk and by means of 

 long sticks, he had succeeded in capturing alive, and had imprisoned in a stout box. 

 He assured me that although he had escaped without being bitten or otherwise injured 

 by the poisonous creature, he would not make such a risk again ; and that if I wanted 

 anymore of that kind, I must capture them myself. The "bug" proved to be an 

 elegant specimen of that most beautiful beetle, the Calosoma Scrutator, an insect so 

 modest and retiring in his habit that it is not often in sight, but so philanthropic in 

 his disposition that he is dear to the hearts of all his acquaintances. 



I mention these facts for the purpose of calling attention to a very prevalent fear 

 and prejudice which exists against insects in general and what leads to the destruction 

 of thousands of our truest friends. To such an alarming extent does this sentiment 

 prevail that it seems to me there is no more importaut entomological field to which 

 the forces of the State Society can be directed, than the dissemination of a thorough 

 and accurate knowledge of the personal appearance of our insect friends, and the 

 extirpation from the minds of the people of that superstitious and unphilosophical 

 development which to some extent, excuses the man 



" Who needlessly sets foot upon a worm." 



It seems as though men had become convinced that all insect life, not only in the 



