THE LOCUSTS. 143 



the record of each case of dissection of over 200 species of 011 r 

 birds, which I made during many years, in the report of the U. S. 

 Entomological Commission for 1S77. It is clear to my mind that 

 few as yet appreciate the great and commanding importance of 

 protecting our birds. If this was properly done, few species of in- 

 sects would ever increase to destructive numbers. Unfortunately, 

 the savage is still dominant in man, and many calling themselves 

 cultivated regard it sport to maim and kill innocent birds. Such a 

 course destroys the harmony of nature, and one of the consequences 

 is the devastations of insects. 



Extent of Locust Invasions. — Unfortunately, the human mind 

 has a tendency to exaggeration. Owing to this, during every lo- 

 cust invasion, the damage done has been over-estimated. In 1874, 

 1S76 and 1S77, tne y did much damage, but by no means as much as 

 was reported. The drouth, and human indolence and carelessness, 

 did much more. I knew men during these years that never touched 

 their corn after it was planted, and of course, got none, as they did 

 not deserve any, who yet charged the locusts with destroying 

 their crops, though none had come within five miles of their home- 

 steads. 



Sometimes there are many years between locust invasions. It 

 rarely occurs that the whole State suffers at once. While the 

 small visitations have been frequent, the destructive ones occurred 

 at long intervals and over comparatively small areas. 



Future Locust Depredations. — One reason for the destructiveness 

 of locusts heretofore has been the small area in the thickest settle- 

 ments under cultivation. The locusts seemed to select the corn- 

 fields and gardens for their feeding grounds. When the area under 

 cultivation is trebled, the amount of damage which they can do 

 will be more than one-half less. Another more potent agency 

 against their increase and destructiveness is the increasing rainfall of 

 the State. We have already seen how the wet season of 1877 de- 

 stroyed the greater part of those that appeared that spring. Dur- 

 ing each coming decade the number of similar seasons will increase. 

 The instincts of the locust will also prompt it to remain away from 

 a region so hostile to its existence. 



While, therefore, the presence of the locust in the trans-Missouri 

 region is extremely undesirable, it is by no means the pest that it 

 sometimes has been represented to be. Human energy and skill 

 can in a large measure counteract their injurious effects. 



