98 APRIL. 



each other for a considerable time. They infest 

 houses where there is much old timber, and 

 trees in a state of decay, and are exceedingly 

 destructive. 



Gryllotalpa vulgaris. The mole-cricket, an 

 insect of very peculiar construction, is an in- 

 habitant of moist gardens and the banks of small 

 streams, where it throws up small ridges in its 

 subterranean progress. When it is abundant 

 it does incredible mischief to the horticulturist 

 by destroying the roots of vegetables. It sel- 

 dom comes abroad, except in evenings during 

 the spring, when, as Gilbert White, in his " Na- 

 tural History of Selborne," says, " They begin 

 to solace themselves with a low, dull, jarring 

 note, continued for a long time without inter- 

 ruption." It appears to be confined to the 

 southern portion of Britain. Report, however, 

 says they are to be found on Oxton bogs, in this 

 county ; but I have not yet acquired a spe- 

 cimen. 



