OF INSECTS. 
283 
CHAFFER. 
The Chaffer is a curious kind of insect, 
which flics about at the dusk of the evening. 
They are sometimes so numerous, as to 
destroy most of the leaves of certain trees. 
The Chaffer is produced from a grub, which 
becomes nearly as thick as a child’s little 
finger, and has a red head, six legs, and a 
body somewhat whitish. It is said to reside 
under ground for the space of three years, 
and is then metamorphosed into a large 
beetle, of a chestnut colour. It has white 
spots on the belly, which are of a triangular 
form; and its tail bends downward. When 
they are moving about the horns are ex- 
tended, but are always closed when they 
rest. 
