On the Hessian Fly. 71 
Art. I].—On the Hessian Fly ; by Dr. Josepu E. Muse. 
Cambridge, E. 8. Md. Dec. 27, 1831. 
TO PROFESSOR. SILLIMAN. 
Dear Sir—There is perhaps, no branch of natural science so 
much neglected, as that of entomology; and none, that more impe- 
riously calls for our attention: this is most emphatically true, in re- 
gard to those families of insects, that are most destructively multi- 
plying, and preying upon the staple crops of our country, and ren- 
dering fruitless, the best energies of our population, in that depart- 
ment of human industry, which, from the creation to the present time, 
has been recognized as the basis of individual comfort, and nation- 
al wealth. 
Though sceptics in political economy, may in the abstract, entertain 
doubts of the latter; yet, this proposition in all its parts, will receive 
the common consent of mankind; and affords a striking instance of 
negligence, in matters of high importance, when many objects of 
idle curiosity are earnestly pursued. 
My attention has been drawn into this course of thought, by the 
rapid increase of the ‘‘ Hessian Fly”’ and its most disastrous ravages 
on our wheat crops; it may be safely affirmed, that in the last season, 
two thirds of the best hopes of the grower of this grain, were disap- 
pointed, by this little enemy, whose blasting influence was felt in dif- 
ferent degrees, throughout the whole extent of the wheat growing 
section of our country. 
It is said that this insect, notwithstanding its vulgar name, (Hes- 
sian) is not known in Europe; nor is it in South America; it is pe- 
culiar to those portions of the United States, and Canada, which pro- 
duce wheat; and its first advent is dated about fifty years ago: beyond. 
which period, there appears to be no notice of such an insect, extant. 
To defeat this vandal foe, it is essential to become acquainted with 
its habitudes, and character ; and without further apology, I design 
to offer my small contribution to this end, by the following history of 
facts, recently acquired, which I believe to be the more necessary, 
as the insect in question, from the diminutive size, in its parent state, 
has wholly eluded the perception of all, with whom I have conversed ; 
and of myself, heretofore, although frequently in quest of it. 
In my stack yard, I had observed much scattered wheat, which 
had vegetated and grown luxuriantly, to be withered, and declining, 
