THE DESTRUCTION OF INSECTS. 



Nothing so much dampens the ardor or discourages the 

 efforts of the enthusiastic amateur as the horde of insects 

 which prey upon nearly every Uving tree, shrub, plant, flower 

 or fruit he undertakes to nurture, or bring to perfection. In 

 whatever direction he turns, whether in doors or out doors, 

 in winter or summer, they arrest his attention and challenge 

 his utmost care. The greenhouse, the conservatory, the 

 grapery, and the parlor ; the pleasure ground, the flower 

 garden, the orchard, and the kitchen garden, alike have their 

 depredators, whose ravages, unless speedily checked, often 

 destroy the fond hopes and cherished expectations of the 

 industrious cultivator. 



When we reflect to how great an extent the various tribes 

 of insects infest our gardens, it is somewhat surprising that 

 more attention has not been given to the study of their hab- 

 its and characteristics. The changes they undergo and the 

 forms they assume are so various, that even many intelligent 

 persons are wholly unacquainted with some of those whose 

 ravages are the most destructive. It is only through correct 

 information respecting their habits that we can ever expect 

 to successfully combat and subdue them. 



Considerable has been written regarding the insects inju- 

 rious to vegetation, though not in a shape accessible to all. 

 The late Dr. T. W. Harris devoted a greater part of his life 

 to the study of Entomology, and the results of his labors ap- 

 peared under the auspices of the State, forming a large volume 

 of great value. Had his life been spared we had hoped for a 

 smaller and cheaper book, embracing the same facts in con- 

 densed form, Avhich might reach the hands of every cultivator 

 in the country. In New York, Dr. Fitch is performing the 

 same work for that State which Dr. Harris did for ours; and 

 the first report, on the " Noxious, Beneficial and other In- 

 sects," was made to the New York State Agricultural Society 



VOL. XXII. NO. VII. 38 



