184.9.] 211 



ning, but was not actually observed. After they had taken wing, their pupa 

 cases remained projecting from the ground, and were white and membranous. 

 When examined by the microscope, they showed the true chrysalis form, the 

 wings and other external organs being distinctly marked on them. 



The remainder of the larva» procured in autumn having been kept dry in a 

 paper box, have lost their orange color, and appear to be quite dead, moisture 

 being apparently absolutely necessary to their entering on the pupa stage. 



The insects obtained in the above described manner, were of both sexes. The 

 females agree in their characters with the figures and descriptions of the European 

 Cecidomyia Tritici.* The males, which I have not seen figured or described, 

 are distinguished by their smaller size, differently formed abdomen, and longer 

 and more hairy antenna?. 



I am not aware whether the mode of hybernation of the wheat midge or 

 " weevil," is generally known to farmers in the United States. If not, it is well 

 worthy of attention, since, by cutting the wheat early, and carefully collecting the 

 larvas contained in the chaff, and dust separated from the grain, a large propor- 

 tion of the ensuing year's brood may be destroyed. On the other hand, if the 

 larva be allowed to be scatteied over the fields or barn yard, a plentiful supply 

 of " weevils " for the next crop is secured. This method was proposed several 

 years since by Prof. Henslow, but 1 have not been able to ascertain whether it 

 has been used extensively in America. 



The Committee on the following paper, by Dr. Savage, reported in 

 favor of publication in the Proceedings. 



Obseivatiova oh the species of TeniiitidcB of West Africa, described by Smeathma?i 

 as Termes hel/icos//s, and by Linnaus as T. fntalis. 



By T. S. Savage. 



Having read a condensed account and many extracts from the communication 

 of Dr. Smeathman to the Philosophical Society of London, on the insect in ques- 

 tion, it seemed to me that no room was left for the discovery of additional facts. 

 But, residing in the locality of the Termes, I felt a desire to know personally 

 their economy ; first, from motives of interest in the general subject of Natural 

 History) and secondly, in order to discover some way of preventing their sup- 

 posed attacks on our buildings. 



As I proceeded, I noticed some mistakes made by Dr. S., or his many copiers, 

 ■which induced me to record my own observations. Of these the following is a 

 summary. 



I would here remark, that I have never seen the original nor entire publication 

 of Dr. Smeathman's paper; but, what I have seen, is sufficient to show that he 

 was an acute observer, a man of indomitable perseverance, and accurate to a re- 

 markable degree. The best account that I have read of his paper, is that of 

 Edward Newman, Esq.,F. R. S., in his "Familiar Introduction to the History 

 of Insects." It is free from the mark? of a prurient imagination, and indicates 



• Curtis, Journ. of Agric. Society, England. 



