63 



ravagers removed to others. Yet (considering the number of coleoptera, 

 an astonishing fact) here and there one or other remained almost intact 

 in the midst of destruction. 



In the daytime, the beetles, after dispersing, bury themselves in the 

 loose soil, as deep as its nature will permit, and I often succeeded in ex- 

 huming them from depths varying from three to twelve inches, even at 

 a much later part of the season. During rainy weather I have not 

 noticed them at all in action ; the moisture probably making their wings 

 unfit for flight. They do not fly very fast ; in straight lines or large 

 curves and for considerable distances. Those that fall to the ground in 

 an exhausted state are eagerly attacked and devoured by the ants, those 

 that survive finally die, as far as I could ascertain, in their self-made 

 grave. The females lay their eggs in the soil adjoining the roots of trees 

 and under logs, from whence the larvae disperse, living on decaying vege- 

 table mould apparently. 



How far the ravages of this beetle extended laterally, I was not able 

 to ascertain, but observed them personally over a considerable area, con- 

 taining many square miles. 



The principal causes for their inordinate increase since the settlement 

 was formed appear to be : (1 ) the loosening of the soil, and (2) the in- 

 judicious persecution and destruction of predatory animals. 



The former is of great advantage for their preservation, inas- 

 much as it allows them to bury themselves easier and quicker, thus 

 increaaing their immunity from attack by almost any enemy. Before 

 broken up the nature of the soil was not favourable, as, being deficient in 

 lime, it dried hard in summer, presenting great obstacles to the larva 

 as well as the perfect insect, to ensure safety by rapid burrowing. 



The destruction of predatory insects (large Carabidse, etc., strono- 

 enough to cope with them successfully) aids their increase, but reptiles 

 and birds, lizards, owls, hawks, etc., may have a still more direct 

 influence by diminishing their enemies. The lizards and hawks are in 

 most parts relentlessly extirpated by the settlers, because the former 

 are universally considered as venomous, and the latter are killed, either 

 for occasionally appropriating a chicken or two ; from superstition ; or 

 from ignorant love of killing. The small loss in the poultry-yard is instantly 

 observed ; but the great benefit rendered by them as destroyers of 

 insect pests is little known and less acknowledged. 



In the localities where the destructive Melolontha buzzed about in 

 clouds at night few of the larger predatory beetles existed, and few birds 



