8 



purple, and darker coloured Scarabei, are generally found frequenting the excrements of 

 animals, and are, in every quarter of the globe, called Tumble dimg-beetles, from their 

 makino- balls of those substances, and roUino^ them to their holes. The locust tribes feed 

 here chieflv on grasses and roots ; so it appears they do in the torrid zone. Those of the 

 torrid zone are found to be wholesome food. The inference is plain, that those of this 

 climate, in case of necessity, or perhaps even as an article of luxury, might be found the 

 same. 



" The caterpillars of certain beetles, from his account, are the greatest delicacies of the 

 hot regions. They might, in some degree, be found to be so here. The palm-worm of the 

 West Indies, which is sought at a monstrous expense, is the caterpillar or maggot of a 

 beetle, of the same genus with that small beetle, which is produced from the maggot or 

 caterpillar in a hazel-nut or filberd. This is often eaten here, and esteemed by those who 

 do so as more delicate than the nut itself. 



" The Cantharides is a green beetle. A gi-een beetle of our own, Cerambyx Moschatus, 

 is found capable of raising blisters ; and other gi-een beetles may probably have the same 

 effect. 



" The butterflies that are foimd in the cultivated spots of Africa, have in shape and 

 appearance a strong resemblance to many of ours, particularly the white ones. These 

 seldom visit the thick woods ; but, when seen in any number, are certain indications of 

 neiohbouring plantations. This observation might save the lives of bewildered travellers : 

 as in some instances it might be dangerous to enter into a very large wood, or a thick part 

 of it ; in others again, immediate safety might be the consequence of leaving a forest, by 

 following the indications of an open or cultivated spot. The analog}- between the colours, 

 the dispositions, and the qualities of insects, may yet be greater, and between insects, and 

 the plants on which they feed, still more useful ; for if an insect is found in one part of 

 the world to feed on a plant useful in food, medicine, or manufactures, an insect of a similar 

 appearance, in another part of the world, wiU in all probability be found to feed on a plant 

 of similar virtues. We do not know but insects may affect, when perfect, to frequent 

 different soils ; or to visit the recesses, where valuable drugs remain hid from human 

 search, and useless to mankind. 



" As, however, observation and experience have demonstrated, through length of time, 

 that useful hints may be drawn from very trivial properties in the smallest insects, it seems 

 that none are unworthy of being noted. Future travellers mav draw useful inferences from 

 those now given, and may add to the number, for the benefit of those who follow after 

 them. There can be no doubt that every species of insect has its use in the creation, and 

 probably there are few from which mankind might not derive some advantage, if their 

 nature and properties were ascertained. We know of a few direct methods, and must 

 therefore in general wait with patience, till a variety of observations, such as Mr. Smeath- 

 man has given us, by being frequently compared, strike out new lights upon tliis part of 



