357 
No. 150.] 
into existence, are probably destroyed by them, Mr. Herrick thinks, 
and we have strong reasons for believing that his estimate is within 
the truth. 
From the date given by Mr. Herrick of his first discovery of the 
e SS parasite, we know that the first or autumnal generation is at¬ 
tacked by it. Whether it preys upon the second or spring genera¬ 
tion also, does not so clearly appear. From our own observations, 
and the well known habits of the other parasites, it would seem 
to be principally upon the second or spring generation which they 
prey. Indeed we can scarcely conceive it possible for them with 
their short ovipositors to reach the flaxseeds of the first generation, 
buried as these are beneath the surface of the earth and reposing at 
the roots of the young wheat. That these parasites are surprising¬ 
ly abundant, and destroy immense numbers of the spring generation, 
any one can easily ascertain by collecting the infested straw at har¬ 
vest time, and securely enclosing it, to preserve all the insects 
which hatch from it. He will thus obtain parasites in abundance, 
and only occasionally a Hessian fly. On the other hand, numbers of 
the young plants taken up by us in April, evolved nothing but Hes¬ 
sian flies. The observations of a single season, we are aware, can¬ 
not be relied on for establishing a point like this. But they force 
upon us the suspicion that it is chiefly the second generation that is 
infested by parasites, and that the first is comparatively free from 
them. 
Remedies. 
“ An effectual remedy ” against the Hessian fly, which has been 
so much inquired after and talked about, and by which term we sup¬ 
pose is meant some specific which will infallibly destroy or drive 
away the insect, or protect the crop from its ravages, never has been 
and probably never will be discovered. In truth, we regard the idea 
that a remedy of this character exists, as being equally absurd with 
a belief in the philosopher’s stone. There is probably no such 
thing as sure and infallible specifics against any of the insects which 
invade our crops, anymore than there is against those diseases which 
attack our persons. Still, believing this, we also believe that there is 
no noxious insect but what, when we closely study into its habits we 
can invariably discover some one or more ways of opposing it, by 
