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AMERICAN NATURALIST. 
Vol. I.—FEBRUARY, 1868.—No, 12. 
——<~“«> 
THE INSECTS OF ANCIENT AMERICA. 
BY S. H. SCUDDER. 
Untiu within a very few years not more than four or 
five kinds of fossil insects had been found on this conti- 
nent. Indeed, little thought had been bestowed upon 
their possible discovery, and while hundreds of eager 
students had carefully examined the living insects, few 
turned to the ancient representatives of this class upon 
the globe. New and interesting discoveries have thrown 
some light upon the insect-life of Ancient America, but 
even now, the known species, occurring in many local- 
ities and in various deposits, will not number one hundred 
different kinds. 
The discovery of the oldest insect remains in the “váh 
is due to Mr. C. F. Hartt. While collecting fossil plants 
in the Devonian slates near St. John, New Brunswick, 
he first perceived faint traces of insects wings. Few per- 
sons would have noticed these insignificant relics, but Mr- 
Hartt having discovered a anio insect, thoroughly ex- 
amined all hib rock specimens until six other fossils were 
brought to light. In the more carefully gleaned fields of 
Entered at to Act of Congress. in the year 1867, by the ESSEX INSTITUTE, in the 
of Massachusetts. 
AMERICAN NAT., VOL. L 79 (625) 
