172 KANSAS CITY REVIEW OF SCIENCE. 



agency no seed could be produced and the species would in time disappear. 

 This cross-fertilization seems to be an arrangement of nature to prevent ' 'breeding 

 in and in," as it is called, which process or practice would deteriorate the vege- 

 table as much as the animal species. This then, is nature's own method of pre- 

 serving the beauty, vigor, and quality of the vegetable world. 



Insects act as scavengers. Flies attack the flesh, and other insects the 

 bones of dead animals, consuming them, where otherwise they might be allowed 

 to decompose, putrefying and poisoning the atmosphere. Insects purify water 

 from noxious matter, thereby saving us from sickness which might otherwise en- 

 sue. They also help the housekeeper in removing filth from the house. Cock- 

 roaches are found more abundant where food and dirt are left around the house. 

 There is a very small insect which is quite tenacious of the human cuticle when 

 the conditions are favorable. This insect performs a very commendable office in 

 compeUing its host to resort to the use of soap and water and the fine-tooth comb. 

 Of course the horticulturists of Douglas county are not personally acquainted with 

 this species. 



The sexton beetle buries up in the ground dead snakes, mice, rats, birds, &c. 

 The Prof, gave some instances of very wonderful exploits by these beetles, bury- 

 ing up animals in a few hours, which were forty times their own weight. Although 

 this is really a service to man, they do it for the purpose of laying their eggs in 

 the dead animal, on which the larvae feed when hatched out. The tumble beetle 

 lays its eggs in a small bunch of manure and then rolls it into a good sized ball, 

 which is deposited in a soft spot in the soil for the home of its young; this so far, 

 serves to fertilize the land. Of the class commercial insects, it is only necessary 

 to refer the products of the cochineal, the silk worm, the Spanish fly, and the 

 honey bee, all of which form an important part in the commerce of the world. 



It is difficult to estimate the value of the parasitical insects. They preve n 

 the undue increase of the noxious insects and preserve the balance of the diff'er- 

 ent species. The destructive and dreaded Rocky Mountain locust or grasshop- 

 per has several kinds of parasites which prey upon and destroy it. Were it not 

 other plants, which can only be done by the agency of insects. Without this 

 for these parasites, its invasions would be more frequent and its ravages much 

 greater. The lady bug family is very serviceable in destroying plant lice, and should 

 therefore be protected as far as possible. The Professor stated that the European 

 cabbage butterfly had lately made its appearance in this country to the destruc" 

 tion of our cabbage patches. It first appeared in Quebec, Canada, having been 

 brought from England in a vessel, and had, like thousands of other immigrants, 

 traveled westward until it had reached Kansas. Its parasite has not yet arrived, 

 but efforts should be made to bring it here as soon as possible or the future pros- 

 pect for cole-slaw and sour kraut will be slim. At the close of this interesting 

 lecture, of which this is an imperfect summary, the society returned the Profes- 

 sor a sincere vote of thanks. — Lawrence Journal. 



