Observations on Insects affectincj the Turnip Crops. 319 



head ; short, horny, and strong jaws ; six short pectoral feet, all of a 

 rusty ochraceous colour : the body is composed of numerous rings 

 of muscles, clothed with transverse series of ferruginous hairs, 

 which enable the animal to progress more readily upon its back ; 

 the hinder portion is the thickest, curved, and of a lead colour, 

 and is sparingly covered with rusty hairs ; on each side of the first 

 thoracic segment is a horny rusty spot, which readily distinguishes 

 it from the grub of the " Great Cockchafer," which is also hair- 

 less, with feet of a different shape. When they have arrived at 

 their full growth they form an oval case of earth at a considerable 

 depth as large as a walnut, which is covered outside with the ex- 

 crement of the animal, formed of oval pellets of the soil, and re- 

 sembling the dung of mice. It is very remarkable that the larvae 

 of the Green Rose-chafer often live in ant-hills, without being 

 annoyed or attacked by those hostile little animals, w^hence in 

 some countries they are called '' King of the Ants;" and it is also 

 said, but it is scarcely credible, that many German cattle-dealers 

 attribute to these grubs supernatural powers, that they feed them 

 in boxes, believing that as they thrive, so will their cattle increase 

 and their fortunes prosper!* It is to be hoped this was the 

 superstition of bygone days, and that the light M^hich has dawned 

 upon Europe during the happy years of peace, when the Arts 

 and Sciences have been cherished and cultivated, has enlightened 

 the minds and exposed the follies of the darker ages, when war 

 and rapine engrossed the energies and debased the understandings 

 of all classes. 



When the sun shines and the Green Rose-chafers are flying 

 about, they may easily be caught with a bag-net ; but early in the 

 morning, before they are revived by the rays of the sun, or in the 

 evening, when they repose in the flowers, it is easy to pick off 

 these large and conspicuous beetles ; they may be collected into 

 cans or bottles of water, and afterwards taken away and thrown 

 into boiling water to deprive them of life. 



Having often alluded to a ring or bag-net for catching insects, 

 it may be useful to give instructions for making this instrument, 

 which may be easily done by getting three or four feet of wire, 

 not less than a quarter of an inch thick ; bend the wire into a ring 

 at least one foot across ; the ends must then be soldered into a 

 ferrule, or made to screw or slip into one with a catch to hold it 

 fast, at the pleasure of the maker. The ferrule must be firmly 

 fixed at the end of a staff or stout walking-stick 2 or 3 feet long ; 

 and a bag from I J to 2 feet long, made of canvass, such as ladies 

 use for worsted- working, or that employed in cheese -presses, or 

 any coarse gauze that will allow the air to pass through, must be 



* Curtis's Brit. Ent., fol, 374. 



