DEARTH OF INSECTS IN 1845. 



neighbourhood, has not shewn itself once. Not 

 once has been heard the shrill cry of the Florida viri- 

 dissima, with which the hedges about here resound 

 in some seasons ; and but very seldom the crinking 

 of the common grasshopper. It is also remarkable 

 that the few grasshoppers which were observed in 

 the meadows never seemed to arrive at their full 

 development, and to acquire wings ; but they re- 

 mained apparently in the pupa state, till, from the 

 advancement of the season, they ceased to be ob- 

 served at all. I may add, lastly, that but few Diptera 

 have appeared on the windows throughout the year. 

 Even the well-known hum of the common blue-bottle 

 has been but seldom heard in the apartments; and, 

 as the year declines, the number of flies now enter- 

 ing, and congregating in the house, is without excep- 

 tion far below the usual number on any previous 

 occasion. At the same time it may be noted, that 

 white butterflies wera in tolerable plenty during the 

 summer, and the caterpillars of these insects are 

 now swarming upon the cabbages.* 



* The summer of 1845 was very wet and cold, generally speak- 

 ing, with a sky almost constantly clouded, the consequence of 

 which was a great defect of both light and heat. The season will 

 long be remembered on account of the epidemic which prevailed 

 so universally, both here and abroad, in the crops of potatoes, 

 causing rottenness in the roots. This disease proved fatal to 

 nearly entire crops of these plants in many parts of the country. 

 It was supposed to have had its origin in the peculiar character of 

 the weather during July and August. 



