2G2 TROPICAL INSECTS DIEECTLY USEFUL TO MAN 



In the year 1856 more than 800,000 lbs. of cochineal 

 were imported into France, of which the Canary Islands alone 

 furnished near one-half — a proof, among others, how much the 

 wealth of a country may be increased by the introduction of 

 a new article of commerce. 



The Coccus which produces lac, or gum-lac, is a native of 

 India, and thrives and multiplies best on several species of the 

 fig-tree. A cheap method having been discovered within the 

 last years of separating the colouring matter which it contains 

 from the resinous part, it has greatly increased in commercial 

 importance.* 



In the tropical zone we find that not only many birds and 

 several four-footed animals live chiefly, or even exclusively, on 

 insects, but that they are even consumed in large quantities, or 

 eaten as delicacies, by man himself. The locust-swarms are 

 welcomed with delight by the Arab of the Sahara and the 

 South African bushman. After being partially roasted, they 

 are either eaten fresh, or dried in hot ashes and stored away. 

 The natives reduce them also to powder or meal, which, eaten 

 with a little salt, is palatable even to Europeans ; so that 

 Dr. Livingstone, who, during his residence among the Bak- 

 wains, was often obliged to put up with a dish of locusts, 

 says he should much prefer them to shrimps, though he 

 would avoid both if possible. 



They evidently contain a great deal of nourishment, as the 

 bushmen thrive wonderfully on them, and hail their appearance 

 as a season of plenty and good living. 



Several of the large African caterpillars are edible, and con- 

 sidered as a great delicacy by the natives. On the leaves of 

 the Mopane tree, in the Bushman country, the small larvae 

 of a winged insect, a species of Psylla, appear covered over 

 with a sweet gummy substance, which is collected by the 

 people in great quantities, and used as food. Another species 

 in New Holland, found on the leaves of the Eucalyptus, emits a 

 similar secretion, which, along with its insect originator, is 



* During the first eight months of the year 1861, 16,204 cwts. of cochineal and 

 4,606 cwts. of lac dye were imported into Great Britain. The best quality of 

 Teneriife cochineal is quoted at Ss. Sd, per lb., while the best Mexican is only 

 2s. lOd. Lac dye varies in price from Is. Sd. to 2^. 7d. — The Economist. 



