HABITS AND LATIN NAMES OF BRITISH PLANTS. 
347 
anas.* This peculiar property appears only to be possessed by the species o 
Brackinus , and Anckomenus prasinus , a small Beetle common in Britain and 
most other parts of Europe. It is, however, well worthy of observation that the 
latter insect is not generally found in possession of this explosive power. After 
many experiments on numerous individuals, I have been unable to detect its 
existence in British specimens ; M. Latreille was similarly disappointed in his 
investigation of those of France; nor was Bonelli more fortunate in discovering 
this property amongst the Anckomeni of Italy. It appears to be confined to 
those of Switzerland, in which country Clairville states that u Harpalus 
(Anckomenus) prasinus combats its enemies by the same means as Brackinus 
crepitans Latreille also bears testimony to this fact.f 
IV.— Benefit derived by Man from Carabacea.— -These are principally indirect. 
Being in most cases decidedly carnivorous, this tribe keep, within bounds the 
herbivorous families, as it is a well-ascertained fact that the food of predaceous 
insects consists chiefly of vegetable-feeders, although instances have otten occurred 
in which weaker carnivorous species have been devoured by the stronger. In 
some cases even individuals of the same species are thus destroyed by their more 
powerful brethren, but this rarely takes place except where scarcity of food 
renders it absolutely necessary. The direct benefits derived from this tribe are 
few. Some of the species were, I believe, in “ olden times ” considered as specifics 
for various diseases; Olivier relates, that in Senegal Cklcenius saponaceus is 
added by the natives in making a sort of soap. Cicindela curvata , a Mexican 
species, is also used, according to M. Chevrolat, by the natives, who by macerat¬ 
ing it in water or spirits-of-wine prepare a medicinal liquid. J 
(To be continued.) 
ON THE HABITS AND PECULIARITIES OF BRITISH PLANTS, 
AND ON THE DERIVATIONS OF THEIR LATIN NAMES, 
By T. B. Hall. 
(Continued from p. 302.) 
Bromus.—B p&'/yior, from fyuayu to eat. 
Bromus diandrus , Upright Annual Brome-grass, Wall Brome-grass.—By 
accurate experiments it appears that this Grass will bear cutting three or fouy 
* Holme, Trans. Ent. Soc ., II., p. 7. 
+ Griffith’s Cuv., Insecta , I., pp. 266—7. 
£ Silberm., Rev. Ent., No. VI.; W estw., Introd ., p. 54. 
VOL. IV.-NO. XXXI. 2 Z 
