96 LECTURE IX. 



into several distinct plates or laminae, as in the 

 common CockchafFer, which being one of the 

 most frequent insects in this country, must be 

 supposed to be known to almost every one. It 

 proceeds from a yellowish-white larve, of a disr 

 agreeable appearance, which resides under ground, 

 and feeds on the roots of corn and other grasses, 

 and is supposed to continue at least three years in 

 that state before it gives birth to the complete 

 insect. Among the exotic Scarabaei or Beetles 

 many are found of a gigantic size in comparison 

 with those species which are natives of Europe; 

 some measuring four, five, or even six inches in 

 total length. The genus is also extremely ex- 

 tensive, and so singular is the appearance of many, 

 that hardly any variety of horn or process can be 

 conceived, which is not found exemplified in some 

 particular species. As a proof of this we may 

 take a view of some of the exotic Beetles repre- 

 sented in the works of Monsieur Olivier, Mr. 

 Drury and others. I shall also particularize one 

 insect of this genus, which, I believe, exists only 

 in the splendid collection of Mr. Francillon, and 

 which, from its very peculiar appearance, has been 

 named the Kanguroo Beetle. 



