1*24 APRIL. 



time. They infest houses where there is much old 

 timber, and trees in a state of decay, and are ex- 

 ceedingly destructive. 



Gryllotalpa vulgaris. The mole-cricket, an in- 

 sect of very peculiar construction, is an inhabitant 

 of moist gardens and the banks of small streams, 

 where it throws up small ridges in its subterranean 

 progress. When it is abundant, it does incredible 

 mischief to the horticulturist by destroying the 

 roots of vegetables. It seldom comes abroad ex- 

 cept in evenings during the spring, when, as 

 Gilbert White, in his "Natural History of Sel- 

 borne," says, " They begin to solace themselves 

 with a low, dull, jarring note, continued for a long 

 time without interruption." It appears to be con- 

 fined to the southern portion of Britain. Report, 

 however, says they are to be found on Oxton bogs, 

 in this county ; but I have not yet acquired a spe- 

 cimen. 



