ENTOMOLOGY IN OUTLINE — ORTHOPTERA. 31 



this account that they swarm in kitchens, around sinks, in pantries, 

 the holds of ships and steamers, and similar locations. 



The female lays her eggs in a purse-like pouch, in a double row, which 

 she carries with her for some time before she deposits it. This mass 

 resembles a small, brown bean in shape. In some cases it is asserted 

 that the female remains with and cares for her young. The}'- breed in 

 enormous quantities, and once introduced into a house will soon over- 

 run it, but on account of their nocturnal habits and timorous disposi- 

 tion, they may be present in quantities, yet remain unsuspected. 

 Going suddenly into the kitchen with a light will sometimes show them 

 by hundreds scampering off in all directions for a place of retreat. 



Like most of our pests, the worst of the cockroaches is an introduced 

 species. They are omnivorous in diet and do much damage to books 

 and clothing, besides overrunning and devouring food in the pantry 

 and cupboards. 



Insect powder freely dusted over books and similar articles will drive 

 them away, while powdered borax mixed with sugar, of which they are 

 very fond, will kill them in large numbers. 



Family Mantidae (The Mantis). This family includes about twenty 

 species in our country, and is the one beneficial family of the order. 

 From its peculiar habit of holding its head erect, its fore legs raised, and 

 remaining motionless in this position for some time, the most con- 

 spicuous member of the family has been named "The Praying Mantis." 

 If a pun were permissible, it might be called " The Preying Mantis," for 

 its patience, devout attitude, and generally saintly appearance are 

 designed to throw other insects off their guard, which, when they come 

 within reach of the waiting, watchful mantis, are quickly grasped 

 between the fore legs, their juices sucked from their bodies, which are 

 then thrown aside, while the mantis again assumes its devotional 

 attitude and awaits a fresh victim. • 



All the species of Mantidse are carnivorous, but in securing their 

 prey they depend altogether upon their resemblance to twigs, leaves, 

 etc., and wait for their victims to come within their reach, when they 

 are quickly seized and devoured. The eggs are laid in masses, inclosed 

 in a soft silk-like substance, through which the young gnaw their 

 way as soon as hatched. These insects are cannibals, for if there is no 

 other food within easy reach the young will devour each other. 



Family Phasmidse (Walking-sticks). This is a peculiar family, and 

 comprises within it some of the largest and most monstrous appearing 

 creatures of the insect world. They are strangely formed and depend 

 for their protection and their food upon their mimicry. Some of them 

 strongly resemble green twigs, others dry twigs, some the leaves of trees, 

 and so strong is the likeness that it is almost impossible to detect them 



