ORDER II. BUGS. 89 



written by Thiery de Menonville: "Traite de la culture 

 du Nopal, et de reducation de la Cochenille. Paris, 

 1787 :" to which I refer the reader. 



The Cochineal insect is often found in our hot-houses on 

 the Prickly-pear and other species of Cactus, and it might 

 easily be raised in many parts of our country for amuse- 

 ment or experiment ; but, owing to the high price of manual 

 labor, we could not at present, and probably never, com- 

 pete with Mexico in cultivating it as an article of com- 

 merce. 



The Spaniards have imported this insect into Spain, and 

 the French into Algiers ; but with what success they will 

 cultivate it is as yet problematical, as the former are not 

 sufficiently encouraged by their rulers, and the latter prefer 

 the sight and sound of swords, guns, and bayonets to the 

 more pleasant and profitable pursuits of Agriculture. 



Another species of Shield-louse, although not a native 

 of North America, deserves a passing notice on account of 

 its great utility in the production of a most important ma- 

 terial for manufacture and commerce. This is the Coccus 

 Lacoa, a native of Hindostan. This Scale Insect is found 

 upon the branches of Banyan-trees {Ficus religiosa), and sev- 

 eral other trees -and shrubs, where it secretes from its body 

 a hard, gummy substance, adhering to the branches like a 

 crust, and well known in commerce by the name of shellac. 

 This substance is a most invaluable material in the man- 

 ufacture of varnishes, sealing-wax, beads, arm-bracelets, 

 necklaces, water-proof hats, etc., and is extensively used in 

 dyeing. Mixed with very fine sand it forms grindstones, 

 and added to lamp or ivory black, being first dissolved in 

 water and a little borax, it composes an ink of a very good 

 quality, and, when dried, not easily acted upon by dampness 

 or moisture. NotAvithstanding the vast amount of this sub- 

 stance that is constantly consumed in manufactures of va- 

 rious kinds throughout the world, still this little insect pro- 



