CURCULXO. -38^ 



Genus XIV. — CurcuUo, 



1 HEsE infc6ls are in fome parts called ivecfils : Near an 

 hundred different kinds are enumerated in the Syftem of 

 Nature, a fifth part of which are found in Scotland. 

 The antennae are fubclavated, and fituaJted in a projedled 

 roftrum, of a horny fubilancei 



As fome of the birds who are fupported by the fruits 

 of man's induftry repay their benefactors with a fong, fo 

 the infefts of this genus make fome cbmpenfation for the 

 ravages they commit, by the enchanting richnefs and va- 

 riety of their colours. Upon them nature feems to have 

 profufely laviihed the mod refulgent and vivid tints 

 which dazzle the eye. Often, however, the curculiones 

 peculiar to our country are fo diminutive in fize, that wc 

 are only admitted to furvej their beauties by means of 

 the microfcope. 



In their larva ftate, the animals of this genus are nei- 

 ther fo inofFenfive nor fo beautiful, as to entitle them to 

 the favour of man. They penetrate into the grains of 

 corn, while yet of fmall fize, and in proportion as they 

 grow, they increafe the boundaries of their habitation, 

 by eating out the heart of the grain. As the number of 

 theft: infetls is great, the mifchief they occaiion in grana- 

 lies and corn lofts is often very confiderable. After lying 

 for fome time, the grain which tliey frequent is entirely 

 confuted to the hulks \ and however found it may ex- 

 ternally 



