238 THE LIFE OF AN INSECT. 



to Europe, under the name of "ground-pearl," 

 as distinguished from the ordinary fishery-pearl. 

 They are devoured by turkeys, and fowls, until 

 the birds are nearly choked with them, when 

 the remedy is to pour vinegar down the throat, 



e 



Ground Pearl. The Insect and its Case magnified. 



which dissolves the pearls, and sets the poor bird 

 at ease. They are strung into necklaces and 

 purses by the ladies of the Bahamas. They long 

 caused much perplexity to naturalists; but they 

 were ultimately found to be really only the pupa? 

 of a little insect which appears to infest the ants, 

 those voracious creatures, and thus to keep down 

 their numbers. A representation of the ground- 

 pearl, and the insect within, is annexed. 



