OUR HOUSEHOLD INSECTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



WOOD-BORING BEETLES. 



MAN is accompanied in his migrations, not merely by 

 what are familiarly known as the "domestic animals," 

 but also by hosts of insects, which find improved means 

 of subsistence by linking their fortunes with his, and 

 which, though often causing him infinite annoyance, 

 sometimes render considerable, though generally un- 

 recognised and unappreciated services. In their persis- 

 tent accompaniment of their lord and master, some have 

 travelled over vast areas of land and sea, getting free 

 passages in all the navies of the world ; and we in this 

 country owe several of our commonest insects to our. 

 commerce with foreign nations. It is " cupboard love " 

 that impels insects to accompany man : they follow 

 him for what they can get; his food they pilfer; his 

 heirlooms they destroy ; his house, his furniture, his 

 clothes, they attack ; and even his very person is not 

 held sacred, especially if he himself so sins against 

 nature as to violate the laws of cleanliness and health. 

 So, not an abode can be found whether of the most 

 degraded barbarian on the one hand, or of the very 

 cream of civilised society on the other which can boast 



A 



