364 TENANTS OF AN OLD FARM. 



as, in those to which they are led by the use of their 

 ordinary senses, or by the indulgence of their common 

 appetites, they may be said to be governed by the laws 

 of their organization. But, in such as arise from spe- 

 cial and extraordinary instincts, we see the most strik- 

 ing proofs of that Creative Wisdom Avhich has im- 

 planted in them an unerring guide, where reason, the 

 senses and the appetites would fail to direct them. The 

 manner of the young Cicada's descent, so different from 

 that of other insects, and seeming to require a sjiecial 

 instinct to that end, would be considered incredible, 

 perhaps, if it had not been ascertained and repeatedly 

 confirmed by persons who have witnessed the proceed- 

 ing.' And now," laying the book down, " let us go on 

 with our history." 



"During their descent into the earth, the Cicadas 

 seem to follow the roots of plants. They are found at- 

 tached to those which are most tender and succulent, 

 which they perforate with tlieir beaks, thus imbibing 

 the vegetable juices, which constitute their sole nour- 

 ishment." (See Fig. 117.) 



" Is not this an injury to the trees ?" askt'd IVnn. 



"Doubtless it often is ; and I am disposed to ])elieve 

 that the chief injury done by the Ilarvest-tly is in this 

 stage and manner. Indeed, an examination of the roots 

 of a decaying fruit-tree has shown as the cause of dis- 

 ease a host of young Cicadas clinging to the roots with 

 their beaks piercing t lie l)ark so deep and lirnily as to 

 keep them hanging for lialf an liour aficr removal from 

 the earth." 



