358 NATURAL ARRANGEMENT OF INSERTS. 



ticking, whence it has also been called the death-watch 

 which is doubtlessly a fable, as it is more than probable 

 that the noise is produced by an Anobium; for it is 

 scarcely possible that so small and delicate an insect as 

 the Atropos should cause so loud a sound. These in- 

 sects are apterous, and are very destructive in neglected 

 collections of insects or plants ; but they are readily de- 

 stroyed by the smell of camphor. Although it occurs 

 frequently in old books, especially those which have 

 been exposed to damp, it either seeks their paste, or the 

 minute fungi developed by the moisture j and those holes, 

 so frequently found in such books, must be attributed 

 to the larvae of the Anobia, and other beetles of similar 

 habits. Only one exotic genus ( Thyrsophorus) of this 

 sub-family is known.- It is peculiar to the Brazils; 

 whereas the others are all natives of our own country, 

 [(299315.) W.E. Sh.] 



