The Natural History of Selborne 429 



winged in July ; eating their way through the valances or curtains 

 of a bed, or any other furniture that happens to obstruct their 

 passage. 



They seem to be most inclined to breed in beech : hence beech 

 will not make lasting utensils or furniture. If their eggs are 

 deposited on the surface, frequent rubbing will preserve wooden 

 furniture. WHITE. 



BLATTA ORIENTALIS. COCKROACH. 



A NEIGHBOUR complained that her house was overrun with a kind 

 of blackbeetle, or, as she expressed herself, with a kind of blackbob, 

 which swarmed in her kitchen when they got up in a morning 

 before daybreak. 



Soon after this account I observed an unusual insect in one of 

 my dark chimney closets, and find since, that in the night they swarm 

 also in my kitchen. On examination I soon ascertained the species 

 to be the Elatta orientalis of Linnasus, and the "Blatta molendinaria 

 of Mouffet. The male is winged ; the female is not, but shows 

 somewhat like the rudiments of wings, as if in the pupa state. 



These insects belonged originally to the warmer parts of America, 

 and were conveyed from thence by shipping to the East Indies ; and 

 by means of commerce begin to prevail in the more northern parts 

 of Europe, as Russia, Sweden, &c. How long they have abounded 

 in England I cannot say ; but have never observed them in my 

 house till lately. 



They love warmth, and haunt chimney closets and the backs of 

 ovens. Poda says that these and house crickets will not associate 

 together ; but he is mistaken in that assertion, as Linnasus suspected 

 he was. They are altogether night insects, (Luctfttg<e), never coming 

 forth till the rooms are dark and still, and escaping away nimbly at 

 the approach of a candle. Their antennae are remarkably long, 

 slender, and flexible. 



October, 1790. After the servants are gone to bed the kitchen 



