60 APPLE LEAVES, APHIS ATTENDANTS ^ANTS. 



few of the empty, shrivelled skins, adhering to the leaves, was all 

 that remained. ^ • 



We have seen the prodigious increase of these creatures which 

 would take place if they were allowed to multiply to the extent 

 they are susceptible of doing. Such is their fecundity, that if no 

 check was given them, it is evideot that from the cedars of Le- 

 banon to the hyssop upon the wall, every leaf and spear of vege- 

 tation springing from the bosom of mother earth, would be 

 thronged and blighted by the countless myriads which would be 

 produced in the space of a few months. Fortunate indeed is it 

 for man that in this, as in so many other instances, Providence 

 has furnished remedies for an evil which would otherwise be so 

 calatnitous— remedies which are far more effective than any which 

 human skill has been able to devise. As this family of insects 

 appears to outstrip every other in the rapidity with which it is 

 liable to multiply, to keep it restrained within its appropriate 

 bounds means more efficient are here requisite than elsewhere, 

 and we accordingly find that the aphides have enemies more 

 numerous, more active and inveterate, than any other group 

 in this department of the works of nature. Whole families of 

 other insects, some of them numerous in species, appear to have 

 been called into existence chiefly for the purpose of feeding upon 

 and destroying these vermin, and an acquaintance with the seve- 

 ral kinds of insects which, in our country, occur in company with 

 these pests of vegetation is quite important, that we may know 

 which to destroy or pass by in indifference, and which to 

 cherish and protect, and call to our aid in instances where nature 

 herself does not furnish them in sufficient number^. 



By far the most constant comrade of the aphis is the ant. One 

 species or another of this family of insects (Formicid^) is almost 

 invariably found wherever a colony of plant-lice have established 

 themselves. By this means we frequently discover colonies of 

 these insects which would escape our search if our attention was 

 not attracted by these larger sized sable colored attendants. The 

 fondness of the ant for sweet substances is well known as it is 

 always prowling about cupboards and other places where saccha- 



