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XXVII. — Observations on the Natural History and Economy of 
various Insects affecting the Corn-crops, many of them improperly 
called Wireworms ; including Ground-beetles, Chaffers, or May- 
bugs, also the Caterpillars of a Moth and Saio-fly, and the 
larva; of some minute flies. By John Curtis, F.L.S., Corre- 
sponding Member of the Imperial and Royal Georgofili 
Society of Florence; of the Academy of Natural Sciences of 
Philadelphia ; &c. 
Paper VII. 
It being as much my earnest desire to impress upon the agricul- 
turist the value of scientific knowledge, as it is my constant hope 
that these Essays may enable him to detect more promptly his 
enemies, and likewise make him thoroughly acquainted with 
his friends, namely, the insects and other animals which Provi- 
dence has ordained to subdue the noxious species, in order that 
the remedies suggested may be well directed, I am tempted to 
introduce as a preface to my present subject a paragraph from a 
practical and sensible author, who is equally convinced with myself 
of the value and importance of a knowledge of insect economy. 
" The different sorts of grain," says KoUar, " from the period 
when as seed they are committed to the earth, until they have 
attained perfect maturity, are exposed to the attacks of various 
kinds of insects. The farmer, who is entitled, when the weather 
is favourable, to expect a plentiful crop from the soil, often finds 
his hopes disappointed, without being able to imagine the cause. 
An insect which escapes his notice from its minute size, as well as 
from the difficulty of finding out its abode, is at work destroying 
the fruit of his labours. The agriculturist who is unacquainted 
with the economy of insects, seeks in vain for the author of this 
destruction, and not unfrequently attributes it to creatures which, 
in reality, are his benefactors."* 
In the investigation of the insects infesting our corn-fields, I 
shall proceed with the growth of the plants, as nearly as my ma- 
terials will allow, and trace the ravages occasioned by the various 
species that feed on the roots and stems, others which attack the 
flowers and ears in the field, and those which consume the grain 
when housed. It is therefore only necessary to remind the reader, 
that the history of the Corn-insects was commenced in our last 
paper,! our account of the Wireworms, which attack the stems 
close to the roots. 
In the Linnean Transactions for 1808,J are some observations 
* Kollar's Natur. der Schald. Insecten, p. 98 ; and KoUar's Treatise on 
Insects, p. 86. 
t Journal of Royal Agr. See, vol. v. p. 180, and pi. I. f. 29. 
t Ibid. vol. ix. p. 156, and pi. 18, f. 1—3." 
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