122 Generation of Sounds by Canadian Insects. 



quently to this that a fine large beetle of a fawnish-drab colour, 

 the Monohammus confusor * rewarded my efforts, and the utter- 

 ance of a very delicate, but still quite audible squeak like 

 that from a mous^, only not so loud, astonished me very much. 

 This sound continued for hours, whenever the beetle was disturbed, 

 notwithstanding a pin had been passed through one of the elytrge. 

 As my collection increased, many other beetles were discovered 

 to emit similar sounds of varying intensity. But the loudest and 

 most striking note of this kind given forth by an insect, was from 

 a very beautiful and rare species of sphinx, the Sesia Pelasgus or 

 Humble-bee Hawkmoth, and although my collection numbered 

 but one similar specimen given to me, I retained the one which 

 vas captured by myself for some time alive to hear its murmurs. 



The sounds generated by Canadian insects were never disre- 

 garded in my entomological rambles, and it is with a view of 

 drawing the attention of my younger readers to this interesting 

 subject, that I venture to put together a few remarks, which shall 

 embody a brief description of the sounds, and an enumeration of 

 the principal insects which produce them. And here I must be 

 excused for a moment, if I refer back to that period of youth, 

 when all is sweet and joyous, when neither thought, nor care 

 troubles the mind, and nought interests for the time but the ardent 

 pursuit after the studies of nature. It is with feelings of ever 

 cherished recollection that my mind dwells upon my rambles and 

 their connecting incidents over the various parts of my native 

 island, which, perhaps, are agreeably forced upon one during a 

 sojourn in another and a distant land. My insect collecting days 

 are not likely to be resumed in this country, and with a view t<, 

 preserve the records of my early labours, the great bulk of my 

 collection is now deposited in the Museum of the Literary and 

 Philosophical Society of St. Andrew's, in Fifeshire, the country 

 from whence my paternal ancestors came. 



Of the Canadian insects which emit sounds, unquestionably the 

 most remarkable is the Cicada or Tree-hopper, which sings loudly 

 during the hot months of summer, and in some localities, espe- 

 cially in large gardens, and groves of bushes, exists in great num- 

 bers. Its shrill chirping may be heard during the greater part of 

 the day, when the sun is shining, and the insect may be found 

 sitting on the leaves or small branches of trees, or occasionally 

 on the fences, in all of which situations I have captured them. 



* Common in August about the Wood-yards of the city. — Eds. 



