1839] 



On the Stat'tstlcs of Dukliun. 



Entomology, — Like all tropical climates, the Dukhun teems with in- 

 sects. The domestic fly is a pest at certain seasons ; the most rigid pre - 

 cautions and the greatest cleanliness cannot secure the most fastidious 

 person from the inroads of the bed-bug ; and there is no getting beyond 

 the *' maoDimum leap of a Jiea^^ ; the fact is, these plagues are not only 

 the constant companions of the people, but the flea inflicts serious in- 

 jury on poultry, dogs, and cattle. Domestic, and indeed wild animals 

 are subject also to the attacks of a small blue tick, ( Acarus,) which 

 multiplies upon them in such an incredible manner as to affect the vital 

 functions and produce paralysis and death. There are three species of 

 honey-bee in Dukhun, the honey from the whole of which is remarkably 

 fine. It boasts also its lac insect, Coccus laccus ; and several silk-pro- 

 ducing moths, particularly the Kolesurra, Bombyx Paphia. 



The most destructive of the insect tribe is the wdiite ant, Termes, 

 which, working under cover with the most indefatigable perseverance 

 finds its w^ay everywhere, and everywhere occasions loss and injury ; 

 books, papers, clothes, leather, wood, &c., are indiscriminately devour- 

 ed. Several species of genuine ants are also a great nuisance. A spe- 

 cies of sphex makes its earthen nest within the locks of the doors, and 

 blocks up the key-holes. The musquito, Culex, is not quite so trouble- 

 some in Dukhun as on the coast. The scorpion, of which there are two 

 or three species, so abounds in the stony lands of Dukhun, that on en- 

 camping my regiment, on the march from Punderpoor to Ahmednug- 

 gur in 1818, I had from two to three hundred brought to me in the 

 course of a day by my men: their sting produces intolerable pain for 

 a few hours, but is not dangerous unless to the diseased and weakly. 

 The centipede does not attain the growth of its type in South America, 

 nor is it very numerous. 



As in other countries, the Coleopterous order is the most numerous. 

 Some of the genera are remarkable for their habits, f Coj9rzrf(S, J and some 

 are remarkable for their beauty ( BuprestidcB). Amongst the Lepidop- 

 tera many are very handsome, both in the diurnal and nocturnal families 

 (Papilio Hector ^nd Bombyx Atlm), In the Hemipterous order, the 

 Chmcid(B abound, and are cursed with all imaginable abominable smells. 

 In the order OrfJioptera, the Giyllidce are numerous ; but the locust is 

 unknown as a scourge. In this order also, the multiplied and strange 

 forms of the Mant'S and Phasm,a are very striking. The Blatta is trou- 

 blesome and injurious. The Hymenoptera includes some valuable and 

 interesting genera. Of the Jpterovs insects I have already spoken. 

 The Neuropfera are both numerous and beautiful, some of the Libelhila 

 and Myrmeleons particularly so. Of the Diptera, the genera Musca, 



