326 



TRANS. ST. LOUIS ACAD. SCIENCE. 



In the home of the Yuccas, and more particularly in the home 

 of the caulescent species, like T. aloifolia and T. gloriosa* 

 persons who have occasion to dig up the roots, or subterra- 

 nean trunks, often notice that these are bored and hollowed out 

 along the axis (Fig. 25, <$), the burrow cylindrical, and lined 

 at its upper end with silk, which is generally intermixed with 

 a white, glistening, soapy powder. These tunnelings are made 

 by our Yucca Borer, which dwells therein ; and their presence 

 may generally be detected by masses of excrement observable 

 among the leaves, and by certain chimney-like projections made 

 by the twisting and webbing together of the more tender heart- 

 leaves, or even of the flower-stalk, after they have been partly 

 devoured, into a sort of funnel, from which the excrement is 

 expelled (Fig. 25, a, a). The tunnelings weaken the trunk 

 and induce rot, so that the plant is not unfrequently prostrated 

 thereby ; and as the insect is sufficiently common in the Gulf 

 [Fie. 26. 



Megathymus yucc^e: F 



without difficulty, being glutinous, and generally remaining in an entire lump on the con- 

 tracted and curled anthers, so that a single anther may furnish the required amount. After 

 stating (p. 60 of these Transactions) that my account of the mode of collecting the pollen 

 was founded on repeated observation, and showing that the spinous maxillary tentacles are 

 admirably adapted to the purpose, the opinion that the smooth tongue can alone be em- 

 ployed for the purpose is unworthy so careful a writer as Prof. Zelle>-; and as for the reflec- 

 tion in the last sentence which I have quoted. I am vain enough to believe that there is no 

 other provocation for it than a certain ill-will on my critic's part. It comes, too, with all 

 the less grace from one who confessedly made hasty and incorrect observations on the posi- 

 tion of the species. From one less honored and esteemed, such captious remarks would 

 have received no notice at my hand. 



* Though I have positive proof of its working in aloifolia, gloriosa, and filam entosa t 

 its range does not seem to be co-extensive with this last species, as I believe the insect has 

 not yet been reported north of latitude 36°. 



