IMPORTANCE OF APHIDES: 189 



but if indeed the Aphis vastator may be regarded as the root 

 of the evil more properly the evil of the root it confers 

 assuredly on its tiny tribe a grave importance which none 

 can be inclined to dispute, when they cast a backward 

 glance on the face of Europe, dwelling chiefly on that 

 island blot, unhappy Ireland. 



The " feeble race " of Aphides is in truth not to be despised 

 as an agent of disfigurement and devastation, though their 

 injurious powers have probably been over-rated. Even in 

 poetic justice it is hardly perhaps admissible to call them 

 " sons of vengeance," after having seen in their appointed 

 destroyers, the " sons of mercy " sent for counteraction of 

 their mischief. We would rather, at all events, in bidding 

 farewell to these myriads of the leaf, contemplate them under 

 a more agreeable aspect; as recipients, namely, of life and 

 enjoyment, living only, so far as concerns their insect brethren, 

 to imbibe and to impart of sweets. 



