94 PRIZE ESSAY : 



1st. Very prevalent in Scotland in 1740.(i> 



2nd. Abundant a few years previous to 1771, or about 25 years 

 after its first appearance, and in that year (1771) eminently de- 

 structive. (2) 



3rd. After 25 years or in 1796, it was again observed by 

 Messrs. Kirby and others, in abundance in different districts for 

 three or four years. 



4th. After about 25 years more, or in 1825 to 30, it once again 

 became destructive and appears in America as well as in Europe. 



5th. After a fifth epoch of about 25 years it occasioned iu 

 New York State damage to the extent of ^15,000,000 to the 

 wheat crops in 1854, and in Canada West exceeding ^2,000,000 

 in 1856. The season of 1854 was one of unexampled drought 

 in the State of New York. 



159. In a letter from Dr. Fitch to the writer, (before referred 

 to) the following reference to this curious subject is made : — 



Though I allude to a seeming regularity in the recurrence of 

 the wheat midge in England, after long intervals, I have no idea 

 there really is any such regularity in the return of this or any 

 other insect. We thought the midge had rma its race in this 

 section of country, some years ago, and that the general cultiva- 

 tion of wheat might be resumed. But in 1854 it suddenly re- 

 appeared, as numerous as it had ever before been ; indicating that 

 it has become a naturalized insect in our midst, ready to multiply 

 whenever those circumstances which favor its increase recur. 

 And all OA'^er the western country, this and other wheat insects 

 are introducing themselves, to remain there no doubt, as long as 

 wheat is cultivated there, ever and anon multiplying and devas- 

 tating the crops for one or more years, and then diminishing and 

 Ira time ceasing to attract notice. 



:C)0. There can be no doubt that certain peculiarities in the 



t I 2\W Modern Husbaudry. (2) Mr. Gullet. 



