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INSECTS. 



The first insect of the United States that deserves 

 notice is the locust or cicada sefitendecim^ both on 

 account of the singularity of its habits, and the great 

 destruction which they cause when they make their 

 appearance. 



They are known to have appeared in immense 

 numbers, in the following years in Pennsylvania ; 

 but it is probable that they also were seen in equal 

 quantities in other years..,.T;2Z. 1715, (which was a 

 very healthy year) between 1742 and 1750, in 1749, 

 between 1752 and 1758, in 1765, 1775, 1782, 1792, 

 1800. 



They are also seen annually; but not in such, 

 numbers as to do^mischief, or excite attention. 



This remarkable insect, though but trivial atten- 

 tion has been given to its history, appears as an 

 extraordinary phenomenon in the works of crea- 

 tion. Its periodical visits. •..its long absence. ...the 

 numbers which rise from the earth, where they have, 

 perhaps, undergone various transformations whilst 

 they have remained entombed, for the space of 15, 

 16, or even 17 years, (for they are not always regular 

 in their visits) certainly deserve some enquiry. 



Towards the middle or latter end of May, under 

 such trees as had been planted previously to their 

 former visit, the ground is perforated ; so as, in some 

 degree, to resemble a honey-comb ; and from these 

 perforations issue an army of these insects ; which, 



