46 
unduly multiplied. And so efficient and inveterate are these 
foes, that more than nine-tenths of all the Hessian fly larve that 
come into existence, are probably destroyed by them, Mr. Herrick 
thinks, and we have strong reasons for believing that his estimate 
is within the truth. 
From the date given by Mr. Herrick of his first discovery of 
the egg parasite, we know that the first or autumnal generation 
is attached by it. Whether it preys upon the second or spring 
generation also, does not so clearly appear. From our own ob- 
servations, and the well known habits of the other parasites, it 
would seem to be principally upon the second or spring generation 
which they prey. Indeed we can scarcely conceive it possible 
for them with their short ovipositors, to reach the flax seeds of the 
first generation, buried as these are beneath the surface of the earth 
and reposing at the roots of the young wheat. That these para- 
sites are surprisingly abundant, and destroy immense numbers of 
the spring generation, any one can easily ascertain by collecting 
the infested straw at harvest time, and securely enclosing it, to 
preserve all the insects which hatch from it. He will thus ob- 
tain parasites in abundance, and only occasionally a Hessian fly. 
On the other hand, numbers of the young plants taken up by us 
in April, evolved nothing but Hessian flies. The observations of 
a single season, we are aware, cannot be relied on for establishing 
a point like this. But they force upon us the suspicion that it is 
chiefly the second generation that is infested by parasites, and 
that the first is comparatively free from them. 
Remedies. 
“An effectual remedy” against the Hessian fly, which has been 
so much enquired after and talked about, and by which term we 
suppose is meant some specific which will infallibly destroy or 
drive away the insect, or protect the crop from its ravages, never 
has been and probably never will be discovered. In truth, we 
regard the idea that a remedy of this character exists, as being 
equally absurd with a belief in the philosopher’s stone. There 
is probably no such thing as sure and infallible specifics against 
