TO CAFFA. 
135 
viridissimus of Linnaeus, which is found neai 
to the Don and to the Kuban, which is entirely ' * 
of a green colour. This insect we have since 
seen upon the banks of the Cam, in our own 
country ; and we were apprehensive that such 
a Messenger might be a forerunner of the 
dreadful scourge which is inflicted by the locust 
on all countries where it abounds*. When those 
animals arrive in swarms, the whole vegetable 
produce disappears. Nothing escapes them, 
from the leaves of the forest to the herbs of 
the plain. Fields, vineyards, gardens, pasture, 
every thing is laid waste. Sometimes the only 
appearance left upon the naked soil is a revolt- 
ing heap, caused by their putrifying bodies, 
the stench of which is sufficient to breed a 
(2) In the year 593, many countries were afflicted by famine in conse- 
quence of ravages committed by locusts. In 677, Syria and Mesopotamia 
were overrun by them. In 852, they migrated from the Eastern countries, 
and, after devastating whole regions in the West , were driven by winds 
into the Belgic Ocean. In 1271, all the corn near Milan was destroyed 
by them; and in the year 1339, all the fields of Lombardy were laid 
'waste. In 1541, they penetrated to Poland and Wallachia ; in 1673, 
some swarms settled in Wales; and in 1748, some fell in several parts 
of England, particularly in the neighbourhood of London, (Shaw's 
Zoology, vul. VI. part I. pp. 136, 137.) The best method of destroying 
them would be to recommend them as an article of food. In the Crimea 
they are often eaten by the inhabitants. Some French emigrants, who 
had been thus instructed, assured us that they were palatable, and very 
wholesome. The Arabs, according to Hasseljuist, eat them fried, and are 
glad to get them. 
