FOREST AND STREAM 
5 
J&/«ra/ Wish rg. 
INSECT 
For Forttl anil Stream. 
LIFE. 
BY KEOKA. 
I T is a well established fact that the attention of observ- 
ant minds has ever been, to a greater or less degree, 
attracted to the wonders of the iusect world from a very 
remote period. Wc meet with numerous references to in- 
sects in the most ancient records which have been preserved 
to us; and in the oldest of these the industry and foresight 
of certain insects, and the ravages of others, are especially 
brought under our notice. Nor is it at all difficult to ac- 
count for this. The splendid hues of many insects, the re- 
markable forms of others, and the curious habits of all, are 
well calculated to excite the admiration of even those who 
know nothing of them scientifically; while the extensive 
injuries committed by associated bauds of creatures, indi- 
vidually so insignificant, could scarcely fail to confer im- 
portance upon an enemy against whose invasions the suf- 
ferers must have felt themselves lobe altogether powerless. 
The publication many years ago, in England, of Kirby 
and Spence's invaluable work on. entomlogy gave a new 
direction to the study of insects, and taught their collectors 
that there was a higher purpose to be attained tliau the 
mere admiration of “Bright troops of virgin moths and 
fresh born butterflies.’’ 
Itshowed beyopd a doubt that the external forms of these 
creatures are the least curious and least instructive sources 
of interest attaching to them, and the popular style of the 
work at once secured for it an elevated rank in scientific 
literature, which, notwithstanding sundry unavoidable 
minor errors, it will ever retain. 
In view of the acknowledged merit and standard excel- 
lence of this work, I shall not hesitate to borrow from its 
valuable and interesting pages such illustrative passages as 
may tend to further the object of these papers — the famil- 
iarization of the popular mind with the idea that the study 
of insects is neither a frivolous uor an unprofitable mode 
of occupying time. 
The science of entomology is considered and claimed by 
many emincut students as equal, if not ruperior, to those 
of the other branches of natural history. They have shown 
the sources of pleasure opened to the entomologist, from 
the inexhaustible nature of the subject, the infinite variety 
and beauty of the insects, their curious habits, the instru- 
ments of attack and defence with which they are provided 
for their own protection, as well as those expressly intend- 
ed for the construction of habitations for their progeny, 
and, above all, the religious instruction to be drawn from 
these wonderful little creatures. 
The lords of creation plume themselves upon their pow- 
ers of invention, and are proud to enumerate the various 
useful arts and machines to which they have given birth, 
not aware that “He who has taught man knowledge” has 
instructed these despised insects to anticipate him in many 
of them. The builders of Babel doubtless thought their 
invention of turning earth into artificial stone a very happy 
discovery; yet a little bee had practiced this art— using, 
indeed, a little different process, on a small scale, and the 
white ants on a large one— ever since the world began. 
Man thinks that he stands unrivalled as an architect, and 
that his buildings are without a parallel among the works 
of the inferior order of animals He would be of a dif- 
ferent opinion did he attend to the history of insects. He 
would find that many of them have been architects from 
time immemorial; that they have had their houses divided 
into various compartments, and containing staircases, gi- 
gantic arches, domes, colonnades, and the like; nay, that 
even tunnels are excavated by them so immense, compared 
with their own size, as to be twelve times bigger than that 
projected by the engineer of the Thames tunnel at Graves- 
end. 
The modern aristocrats who pride themselves on the lus- 
tre and beauty of the scarlet hangings which adorn the 
stalely walls of their drawing rooms, or the carpets that 
cover their floors, rather pitying their poor, vulgar ances- 
tors, who were doomed to unsightly whitewash and rush 
carpeting, are ignorant all the while that before they or 
their ancestors were born, even before the boasted Tyrian 
dye was discovered, a little insect had known how to hang 
its walls with tapestry of a scarlet more brilliant than any 
the palatial rooms of the nobility can exhibit, and that 
others daily weave silken carpets, both in tissue and tex- 
ture infinitely superior to those they admire. 
Other arts have been equally forestalled by these crea- 
tures. What vast importance is attached to the invention 
of paper! For y eats— nearly six thousand years— one of 
our commonest iusects had known how to manufacture 
and apply it to its purposes; and even pasteboard, superior 
in substance and finish to any we can produce, is made by 
another. We imagine that nothing short of human intel- 
lect can be equal to the construction of a diving bell or an 
air pump, yet a spider is in the daily habit of using the 
one, and, what is more, of exactly the same principle of 
ours, but more ingeniously contrived, by means of which 
she resides unwetted in the water, and procures the necs- 
sary supplies of air by a more simple process than our 
alternating buckets. That insects should have thus fore- 
stalled us in our inventions ought to urge us to pay a closer 
attention to them and their ways than we have hitherto 
done, since it is possible that the result would be many 
useful hints for the improvement of our arts and manufac- 
tures, and perhaps for some beueficial discoveries. 
In respect to tools, these little workers deserve particular 
notice. All their operations are performed with admirable 
precision and dexterity, and though they do not usually 
vary the mode, yet thut mode is always the best that can 
be conceived to attain the end in view. The instruments 
with which they are provided are no less wonderful uud 
various than the operations themselves. They have their 
saws and files and augurs and gimlets, and knives and lan- 
cets and scissors, with many other similar instruments, 
several of which are used in more than one capacity. 
Nor is the fact so extraordinary as jt may seem at first, 
since ' He who is wise in heart und wonderful in working" is 
the inventor and fabricator of the apparatus of insects. 
1 here is no exaggeration in these statements, though to 
the careless observer of these it would seem so. The little 
stone-makiug insect first alluded to is a member of the 
family of mason bees, all of which build their houses of 
artificial stone, formed principally of grains of sand, se- 
lected with great care, one by one, and formed into masses 
with their own viscid saliva. With these masses of sand, 
transported singly in her jaws to the site of the building, 
the little architect constructs a number of cells, iu each of 
which she deposits an egg, together with a supply of pro- 
visions, to be ready for the young lurvic on its exclusion; 
tile vacuities between the cells are filled with the same ma- 
terials as the cells themselves are formed of, and the whole 
is finally' covered with a coating of coarse grains of sand. 
1 he mass of cells thus finished looks more like a splash of 
mud thrown on the wall than anything else, and is so hard 
as not to be easily penetrated with a knife; but, hard as it 
is, certain parasites contrive to pierce the structure with 
their boring instruments, and to deposit their eggs in the 
cells; the larva; proceeding from these intruders devour 
the provisions stored up by the industrious cc-ll-builders, 
whoso care for the safety of their offspring is thus frus- 
trated. 
Another family' of bees includes the upholsterers, which 
excavate burrows in the earth for the reoeption of their 
eggs. These burrows they line with an elegant tapestry of 
leaves and flowers, cut from the living plants. One of 
these bees selects the brilliant scarlet petals of the poppy 
for the drapery of her rooms. After having excavated a 
burrow about three inches in depth, and polished its sides, 
she flics to the poppies, cuts oval pieces out of their flow- 
ers, and returns to her cell with these portions so cut out 
carried between her legs. The petals of poppies, before 
they are fully expanded, are much wrinkled; the bee man- 
ages to smooth out the wrinkles and otherwise fit the pieces 
to the place they are to occupy. Placing three or four 
coats at the bottom, she overlays her walls with the bril- 
liant tapestry, proceeding from below upwards until the 
whole is covered. An egg is then deposited, a supply of 
food provided, and the upper portion of the lining folded 
so ns to envelop the contents of the cell, 'the mouth of 
which is closed last of all with earth. The proceedings of 
the other upholsterer bees are equally curious; they usually 
select the green leaves of trees for the lining of then bur- 
rows, which are filled with several thimble shaped cells, 
placed one within the other, the rounded end of one fitting 
into the mouth of that next below it. 
( To be continued. 
—The American Museum of Natural History in Central 
Park has secured Mr. E. G. Squior’s valuable antiquarian 
collection. 
POMPANO AND CREVALLE. 
Smithsonian Institution, 
Washington, D. C., January 20, 18*0. 
Editor Forkst and Stream:— 
f 
A few words of explanation may resolve tlie doubts and eonfiudon, 
which appear to prevail among some of your rendors respecting the 
Pompano nnd Crevnlle. 
Our more common fishes rejoice severally In exceptionally largo 
numbers of English names; on the other hand the number of names Is 
little larger thun, if as lurge as, die number of fishes. The nomenclature, 
then, isudjusted in this way: The same llsh is on different parts cf U 10 
coust known by different names, while the same name Is transposed at 
the different places to other fishes. This is the case with the two fishes 
iu question. There is not, and never has been, among naturalists, the 
slightest confusion of tho Horse Crevullo (Carangu* hlpjm) and the 
Pompano (Tracht/nolut curolinm) with each other. Mr. Clarko is in cr- 
ror in his statement that Holbrook confounded them. Holbrook both 
described aud figured them, one (Crevalle or Pompanoj under the name 
Vothrolaemus pom pan us, theother (Horse Crevullc) as Carons defensor; 
the former is, however, at some places (as at Charleston) called Crevalle; 
others CovaIII, nnd at others Pompano. The Carangu* Is also nt sonui 
places called Crevalle alone; at others (where the Pompano is called 
Crevalle) “Horse Crevalle," Ac., Holbrook simply committed errors In 
the scientific nomenclature of the species. 
Sir. Clarke, In respect to tho description of tho Cavalll (I. r. Trachy 
notut Carolina*) "as far north as Holmes’ Hole," thinks "iho Cavalll 
(I «. Carangus higpoi") Is the fish indicated. This scepticism may be 
praiseworthy, (for crilical scepticism is the great essential in scientific 
discussion and weighing of lestlmony). The identification of the Cu- 
valll or Pompano with fishes found northwurd near Holmes’ Hole, wus 
made, however, by the nuturullsts of the United States Commission of 
Fisli and Fisheries, nnd if they are not to bo trusted for dctcrmiuiug 
what Ihe fish ie, or is not, whose uuthorlty will Mr. Clarke accept? The 
specimens which have been identified can nt nny time be examined at 
•he Smithsonian Instliuilon by Mr. Clarke, and the scientific world may 
then have the benefit of his decision. The naturalists of the Commis- 
sion all concurred in the Identifications of both the Pompano and Horse 
Crevalle. Among the fishes found 111 Vineyard Sound numerous speci- 
mens of the Pompano of a very small size (considerably less thun half 
an Inch) as well os large specimens, had been repeatedly found. 
Son thward, too, at several places, the Pompano has been found, 
and specimens, largo and small, wore obtained at Watch Hill 
Beach, Rhode Island, five miles east of Stonlngton, Conn. The fisher- 
men generally dul not know that tho fishes thus caught were Pompanos, 
but probably, if Mr. Clarke baa seen them, he would have arrived at the 
same conclusion as the several experienced Ichthyologists who have ex- 
amined them. Mr. Clarke has ovideotly muen to learn before he fully 
understands the confusion In the names given on different parts of our 
great coast, and he has In previous articles been betrayed Into many and 
grave errors by this w ant of knowledge. Theo. Gill. 
SEVERAL MOOTED QUESTIONS. 
Rotalton, Vt., Februory 1, 1875. 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
1 had written a short article for you touching the curious blunders of 
one of your Southern correspondents, confounding the Pompano with 
the Cavalll. when I wan pleased to find myself anticipated by two other 
correspondents, There Is a striking external resemblauce between the 
Pompano and Cavalll of similar size. I have often caught the latter in 
the Bay of Mobile, and thrown them away, when the former were bring- 
ing one dollar apiece in the market. 
Another correspondent seem* to rank Ihe turkey buzzard with some 
of our best fowls for purity of odor. If the catlerU are pnrlljiu in oth cr 
respects, I know not why we may not get a new sensntion by serving the 
bird on onr tables. 1 think be has smelled with his eyes, and confound- 
ed the bird circling in graccfnl orbits high up In the pure ether, with Ihe 
homely thing safe iu ils hldeousncss of form and odor, feasting upon Ihe 
tainted garbage of the city. I once shot a buzzard upon the spot — then 
an open field— where now stands the beautiful village of Eataw, the 
county seal of Green county, Vt. It was before metallic pens bad come 
Into use, and I shot the bird for Its quill- I boiled those quills nnd sub- 
jeetedthem to every deodorising proceas I could thluk of. but In vain. 
I lie scent of tho bint hung round them still, nnd It was not tho scent of 
lac ro#o. 
Another correspondent speaks of the prodnctoii' nnd domineering dis- 
position of tho English sparrow. log occasion Iasi Summer to spend 
an hour or two tn the depot at Burlington, 1 amused tnjself watching 
tho social confusion of scores of there pet chatter boxes that had ap- 
propriated tin- upper part of tho building to their own use, placing their 
nests high up among the iron girder* and braces of the roof A gentle- 
man informed me that a few pairs had been turned loore In the town 
ami at once colonlzedlln the building, which w». already In pos-e-slon 
of the domestic pigeon. War was declared at once and the llttl* 
“banditti'' carried the day. driving out their pompons adversaries, and 
now Hold undiaputed dominion. * 
SUSPENDED ANIMATION BY FREEZING. 
Boston, Feb, 1, 1875. 
Editor Forest and Stream.— 
In tho aquarium In the windows of Messenger Brothers. 66 Brumfield 
SnTiltfL n i' r .i fl ". C l look, V i: ® moU ' ■"•mining about HI lively as .hu trout 
and other fish that keep them company, 't hese smelt wore'purcUa»ed in 
tho market one day Inst week, frozen solid. When Mtv-ra. Mc-nouiror 
bought thorn the denier said they had been rnnglit the previous d«v. Tim 
four frozen fish were thrown Into the aquarium, ami In less ihun uu hour 
were apparently u» happy as though nover tnkon from tho wator. 
I cut the above from the Boston Pott of Feb. 1st. Have boon Mopping 
nt tho Brumfield House, and saw tho fish every day. Mr. Messenger toll* 
mo that they wore but lightly frozon. One of the fi»h show* sign- of the 
dreaded fungus. They have very kindly given them to me for my «xhl 
billon of fish nt Buffalo Feb. 10th to 17th. 
Jn»t how far fish life can be suspended by freezing Is nu Interesting 
problem. If frozen toUtl, it would seem as If tho tissues would be 
ruptured past recovery. Fred. Matuib 
The following loiter would seem lo give vnluablu testi- 
mony upon tho question raised by Mr. Mather :— 
Putnam, Conn., Fob. 3, UJ7B 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
1 have been a liable to make some of my friends bellovo that a fish after 
having boon frozen stiff nnd solid cun be tliawod out, aud, so to speak, 
bo brought lo life. 
Havlug tried this experiment upon a porch some years ago, I knew 
whereof I affirm, but would ho pleased to hear from you or soma of the 
F. & 8. correspondents relatlvo to similar experiments 
Yours trnly, Auikut II. Mowm. 
FREAKSOF NATURE IN DEER. 
— ♦ 
New York, January 21. 1875. 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
Allow me to mid another doo with horns to your list. John Cheney 
has, among his many victims, ulro klllod a doo with horns. Tho horns 
wore about four or llvo Inchon long uud of Urn “spllto" order, lu speak 
lug with him about (hu peculiarities of doer, ho told mo that among those 
ho had killed were some entirely out of tho common order. Among 
these wus onu old back who had never c bunged his coat, and was killed 
Into In the Full, as red us a cherry. At another time a duo wes captured 
which had hor full growth, nnd was atilt spotted tike n fawn. But the 
strangest of all was lit : door he drove to Suudy Ralph Chooy took tho 
dog and wont on the Howard Illtl US start, while Ralph wont to the 
river to watch; lie had gouo but a short way when his dog took tho 
track, and with scarcely a turn pat the deer straight Into tho river, where 
It was klllod by Snudy. lie noticed when ha shot that tho bond of the 
door looked peculiar, and upon going up to cut its throat, ho discovered 
to Ills great surprise that, together with tnu natural pair of horns, there 
was another spike growing straight from (hu forehead, and still another 
from where tho loft eye should bo I 
This Is 11 well authenticated fact, and Mr. Cheney uud Ralph aro still 
alive to prove It. Yours, Taiiawas, 
NO GALL IN DEER. 
Colusa, Cal., JanuoLry 28, 1875. 
Editor Forest and Stream: 
In your Issuo of January 7th, I notice [your correspondent from Birch 
Comp, Minn,, In writing of diaeuaud liver in deer, says: "I observed lliat 
the gall of tho doe was wanting." Now, what I want to know is, 
did lie over find a gall in a doer of any kind? I liavo klllod door ou the 
prairie, and lu tho pineries of Mlunusoin, and in the Slorra and coast 
ranges of California, uml I have my first doer to kill that possessed a 
gull. I think that “J. H. B." Is not a very cioeo observer. Yours 
truly, Pacific 
It is known, and lias been so stated in our paper, that 
deer have no gall. J. II. B. is a young student who is ac- 
quiring knowledge by tho toughest kind of experience on 
the remote frontier, collecting specimens in mid Winter, 
and shivering alone in a shanty with the thermometer ever 
so many degrees below zero. Tho fact that I 10 has made 
tho discovery' for himself that deer have no gall shows 
that lie wit dose observer. Be charitable. We have all 
got to learn. — E d. 
WHITE CALIFORNIA QUAIL. 
Nioaeio, Marion county, Cal., January 20, 1816. 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
As many of your readers are Interested lu alblnocs, I send you tho do 
acrlptlon of a California quail shot in this vicinity. Tills spccliuou Is a 
male and partial albino, having a white spot on tbc lower part of throat 
circle, aboat onc-balf Inch square; on the breast below aro white fonth- 
era; right wing, six primaries, and coverts pure white; loft wing, four 
outer wing coverts while; middle nnd inner two, half white; nail of 
hind toe on left foot white. This bird has been mounted by Mr. Chas. 
A. Allen, of Nicosia, and is In good plumaga, Thomas U. EsTr. 
Twin Lakes, Canaan, Conn., February 3, 1876. 
Editor Foue«t and Stream :— 
Mr. E. Sherman Pease, of Twin Lakes, Conn., has lately caogbt a fox 
thut puzzles our oldest, as well us youngest loha’jltaut who has "never 
see 11 sich afore." It Is n« gray as a bay lynx, trimmed around with 
foxy red, with black points lo nore , cars and tall, white under the throat 
and belly. Now, whether tt Is a "sliver gray" worth $150, or only South 
em gray, at $1.50, Is what we would like some wrltei for Forest and 
Stream to decide. Mr. Pease being nn orllst, as well as trapper, has 
inadea pointing of the varmint, which, with one of an otter now on the 
easel, may find its way to tho Bpring exhibition, und the mooted polst 
be settled Grave 11 . 
Probably a “cross-fox.’’— E d. 
— “Pray, Miss Primrose, do you like steamboats 7" in- 
quired u gentleman of a fair friend to whom he was paying 
bis addresses. "Oh! pretty well,” replied the ludy, “but 
I’m exceedingly fond of a smack.” The lover took the 
hint, and impressed a chaste salute on the lips of the blush- 
ing damsel 
