O47 
bug,” are said to be luminous, it is possible that our larva belongs to 
the Elateride. It was found in wood-earth, but died soon after it was- 
received. 
INSECT INJURIES.—Onr statistical correspondence shows a very seri- 
ous development of noxious insects during the month of June in various 
parts of the country. It is very desirable that the self-sacrificing gen- 
tlemen who are so faithful in securing for the Department the latest 
and most reliable reports of the growing crops, could be induced to 
give special attention to the farmer’s insect enemies in their respective 
neighborhoods, and furnish more specific data in order that the differ- 
ent species may be identified and the extent of their mischievous influ- 
ence estimated. In several cases new insects have been noticed, either 
under names of merely local significance, or by description too imper- 
fect for identification. In these cases it would be well to forward spe- 
cimens to the Department, even in the case of long known insects. This 
_course would be desirable, as it would enable the entomologist to recog- 
nise the exact character of the insect depredators in different parts otf 
the country, and to suggest remedies for their devastations. 
Grasshoppers, (Caloptenus, sp.)—The foregoing remarks find especial 
application in regard to the reports of grasshoppers. There are reasons 
for supposing that two species, C. spretus and C. femar-rubrum, are repre- 
sented in our reports. It would be impossible for any but a careful 
entomologist to distinguish them, and hence the propriety of sending 
specimens. 
Only four counties east of the Mississippi notice the presence of 
these insects. In some localities of Carroll, New Hampshire, they are 
very numerous, and unless checked by rain it was feared they would do 
great damage to the growing crops. In Warren, Virginia, they had 
destroyed some of the pastures, and were making demonstrations upon 
oats and barley. In Jefferson, West Virginia, they appeared in great 
numbers ; so thick, in some’ places, that it was possible to take them up 
by the shovelful. They are also reported as “thick” in Edwards 
County, Illinois. 
West of the Mississippi their mischievous influence was felt from 
Texas to Minnesota, and westward to the Pacific coast. Texas had an 
especially severe visitation. In Medina and Bandera Counties they 
nearly destroyed the grain-crops, vegetables, and fruits. They were 
also very destructive in De Witt, Blanco, and Kendall. In San Saba, 
their presence delayed corn-planting till May 1. In Murray County, 
Minnesota, these pests appeared June 12, and ruined many late-sown 
crops. In Jackson they appeared in countless numbers and remained 
about a week, eating up the crops very clean. In Cottonwood they 
appeared June 15, coming from the southwest, and were very destruc- 
tive, especially upon the wheat-crops, reducing the yield of the county 
to only a half average. At the date of the report-the young were be- 
ginning to hatch. In Blue Earth they were observed coming in the 
same direction. 
Our correspondent in Martin County leaves the condition of spring 
wheat and barley without note, since both are now covered with grass- 
hoppers. These appeared in the western and southwestern parts of the 
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