FALL OF LOCUSTS INTO THE SEA. 
101 
swarms plunging into the sea, often in such immense numbers that when 
thrown upon the shore by the waves the stench arising from their decay- 
produced epidemical diseases among the inhabitants residing in the vi- 
cinity. We might add numerous other instances of a like character, but 
this is unnecessary, as our object at present is only to call attention to 
the fact and suggest a possible explanation which appears to have been 
overlooked by those who have written upon the subject. 
Eoppen 202 says: 
The abundance of such instances has led many to believe that they fall into the sea 
not from an external cause, but from an inner propensity. Thus, says Erichson, "It 
is well known that the locusts gladly draw toward the sea and there become the spoil 
■of the waves. It seems also that a hidden instinct drives these animals into this ele- 
ment, which thus in great masses are destroyed." 
He looks upon this opinion as somewhat hypothetical, but remarks 
that it is nevertheless not without its parallel among insects, of which 
Anisoplia austriaca presents an example. 
Darwin's explanation, as given by this author, is, that the insects, 
searching in vain for shelter of tree or hill, are driven by a land-wind 
into the sea ; au explanation which Koppen thinks the most satisfactory, 
as it suits well the treeless and hill-less steppes of Southern Russia. 
If we can judge correctly in reference to the characteristics of other 
locusts by what we know of C. spretus, we should decide unhesitatingly 
against the idea that the locusts have any propensity to plunge into 
the water; on the contrary, we believe they avoid, as a rule, flying 
over it, and only do so when driven by strong winds or by excessive 
hunger. 
As will be seen hereafter in the chapter on meteorological influences, 
and as indicated in our First Report, 203 a sudden change in the tempera- 
ture or humidity of the atmosphere has a tendency to bring down a fly- 
ing swarm. Whether the amount of moisture over a large body of 
water caused by evaporation, and the difference in temperature, as com- 
pared with that of the atmosphere over the parched, barren, bordering 
lands, would be sufficient to sensibly affect the locusts may be doubted ; 
but, notwithstanding their apparent hardiness, they are extremely sensi- 
tive to changes in the condition of the atmosphere. Facts already given, 
as the case mentioned by Bowles, where a swarm varied its course in 
order to return to land ; the similar circumstance mentioned in reference 
to the flights in Australia, and others of a like character -which might 
be quoted, show an evident desire to avoid the danger of falling into the 
water where the danger is perceived and there is any ehance of avoiding it. 
A strong confirmation of this fact in the history of the migrations of 0. 
spretus is, that in their approach to the Gulf of Mexico in their flights 
southward through Texas they have always stopped a few miles from 
the shore. It was reported at one time that swarms had been observed 
passing on to the Gulf, but careful inquiry has not only failed to confirm 
this, but, ou the contrary, to indicate that no such case has been known. 
^Heusch. Sud-Rnss., 49. 
""Page 182. 
