112 PEARLS AND PEBBLES. 



fresh and green, but at the same time I noticed the 

 noiseless fall of branches from the oak trees adjoining, 

 and saw that the ground was strewn with dead withered 

 boughs and sprays, while others still hung by tiny 

 shreds of bark, ready to fall, and disfiguring the appear- 

 ance of the trees. 



The entomologists now employed by the Government 

 and attached to the Bureau of Agriculture, have of late 

 years turned their attention to the appearance and 

 habits of this class of tree-destroying insects, which are 

 doing so much injury to the forests and orchards of the 

 country. 



The ravages of the various species of Scarabcei are not 

 confined to the oak and pine alone, but every species of 

 hardwood tree nurtures one or several kinds peculiar to 

 itself. 



The subject is one of considerable importance, and 

 should not be devoid of interest even to the youngest 

 student of natural history. It is a study particularly 

 recommended to the agriculturist, horticulturist and 

 florist, and it would be well if there were text-books 

 written in simple, plain language, that would be instruc- 

 tive and at the same time awaken an interest in it among 

 our young people. 



The habit of close observation inculcated and encour- 

 aged in children is a continual source of pleasure and 

 profit in after-life, often, indeed, leading to results that 

 are little anticipated, as in the well-known case of Sir 



