INSECT LIFE IN THE BLOOM OF A CARNATION. 83 



I am resident in one of tiie squares of tlie metropolis, as open, per- 

 haps more so, than any otiier ; the soil is dry, the substratum being 

 gravel. The garden committee of the square have taken much pains 

 in forming and preserving the lawns, wliich have been laid down with 

 turf, and sown with good grass seed and kept carefully weeded. We 

 have been much vexed at the prospect of having spent some years in 

 fruitless labour by reason of having recently had our lawns visited by 

 the black grub, which seems to threaten their entire destruction. It 

 is stated that this grub, about an inch in length, is the larva of the 

 common long-legs fly, which deposits its seed or spawn at the root of 

 the grass, which the grubs entirely devour. The afipearance of portions 

 of the lawns is now very mucli that of a web perforated with .holes the 

 size of a small pencil, and there is little doubt but that wlien the 

 weatlier becomes warmer and the insects are in a greater state of 

 activity, the lawns will be entirely laid waste unless some timely remedy 

 is applied. 



About twelve years since the lawns in Russell-square were visited 

 by the black grub, and were entirely destroyed ; they continued there 

 about the space of three years. I am informed that in this and other 

 localities which have been similarly affected, soot, lime, potash, and 

 soap ashes have been used, but only M'ith very limited success, and that 

 these remedies have not availed to save the lawns. 



It may be that the investigations of modern science applied to the 

 culture of garden ground may have discovered some effectual means 

 for eradicating this grub without destroying the grass ; and I shall feel 

 myself greatly indebted to any of our correspondents who will favour 

 me with the result of their experience on tiiis subject, and point out 

 how these grubs may be removed. 



THE SPLENDOUR AND FELICITY OF INSECT LIFE IN 

 THE BLOOM OF A CARNATION. 



BY DAHL OF MANCHESTER. 



Mk. Editor, — I was so much pleased with the following description of 

 the felicity of insect life in the bloom of a carnation, wliich lately came 

 under my notice in a little volume that I have been reading, that I 

 have made the extract, thinking it deserves extended circulation. 



" The principal flower in an elegant bouquet was a Carnation ; the 

 fragrance of this led me to enjoy it frequently and near. The sense of 

 smelling was not the only one affected on these occasions. Wliile tiiat 

 was satiated with the powerful sweet, the ear was constantly attacked 

 by an extremely soft and agreeable murmuring sound. It was easy to 

 know that some animal within the covert must be the musician, and 

 that the little noise must come from some little creature suited to 

 produce it. I instantly distended the lower part of the flower, and, 

 placing it in the full light, could discover troops of little insects frisking 

 with wild jollity among the narrow pedestals tliat supported its leaves, 

 and tlie little threads that occupied its centre. What a fragrant world 

 for their liabitation ! What a perfect security from all annoyance in 



