ORDER II.—BUGS. 89 
written by Thiery de Menonville: “Traité de la culture 
du Nopal, et de l’education 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, coni- 
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 
Lacca, 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. Notwithstanding 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- 
