tjptmio. 
3*3 
GENtJs XIV . — Cur cull 6. 
These infect arc in fome parts called wcefils: Near afi 
hundred different kinds are enumerated in the Syftem of 
Nature, a fifth part of which are found in Scotland. 
The antennae are fubclavated, and fituated in a projected 
roftrum, of a horny fubftance. 
As fome of the birds who are fupported by the fruits 
of man’s induftry repay their benefa&ors with a fong, fo 
the infeflts of this genus make fome compenfation for the 
ravages they commit,’ by the enchanting richnefs and va- 
riety of their colours. Upon them nature feems to have 
profufely lavilhed the moft refulgent and vivid tints 
which dazzle the eye. Often, however, the curculiones 
peculiar to our country are fo diminutive in fize, that we 
are only admitted to furvey their beauties by means of 
the microfcope. *, 
In their larva ftate, the animals of this genus ar<* nei- 
ther fo inoffenfive nor fo beautiful, as to entitle them to 
the favour of man. They penetrate into the grains of 
corn, while yet of fmall fize, and in proportion as they 
grow, they increafe the boundaries of their habitation, 
by eating out the heart of the grain. As the number of 
thefe infects is great, the mifchicf they occaiion in grana- 
ries and corn lofts is often very confiderable. After lying 
for fome time, the grain which they frequent is entirely 
confumed to the hulks ; and however found it may ex- 
ternally 
