CHARACTERS OF GARDEN INSECTS. 
431 
and vegetables.” It might lead both the professional and amateur 
gardener to the study of entomology—a science which is so nearly 
connected with botany and gardening, and so necessary to be known, 
to distinguish friends from foes. Cuts similar to those in the “ Maga¬ 
zine of Natural History ” would do; and if as good figures were given, 
no one could fail to identify the insects. Unfortunately, ignorance 
even of the elements of entomology has been so prevalent, that it has 
been very much the custom to consider every insect as an enemy, and, 
without any inquiry into habit, to consider them all equally injurious 
to vegetation. Now it is quite clear, and a very little study will con* 
vince any one, that, instead of all garden insects being noxious, many 
will be found perfectly harmless, and many others really beneficial. 
Who would wish to banish the beautiful peacock butterfly ( Vanessa 
Jo ) ; the admirable ( Vanessa Atalanta'); the tortoise-shell ( Vanessa 
Urtica), &c. &c.; the various humble bees ( Bombi ) ; the honey and 
wood bees ( Apis and Andrence) , &c., which enliven the gaiety, and 
give a sort of enchantment to the parterre? All these, and many 
others, come under the harmless class. The beneficial class consists of 
the ground beetles (Carabidce), the Staphilinidce, Coccinellidce , &c., 
and others which are insect destroyers. If, therefore, a short history, 
as well as cuts, were to be given, or at least as much as is known of 
their destructive, harmless, or beneficial habits, to show which should 
be cherished and which destroyed, and the best method of carrying 
both into effect, it would not only be extremely useful, but perma¬ 
nently valuable. 
I would just notice that J. B. G. seems to consider the centipede 
( Lithobius scolopendra forficata ) injurious. I do not think it is, 
nor any of the tribe. It will certainly be found about vegetable sub¬ 
stances but seldom, except when decomposition has commenced ; and, 
although some species of this genus are found about bulbs (tulips, 
narcissi, and hyacinths), yet I never remember finding them about 
sound bulbs; nor could I ever discover that they were instrumental 
to their decay: in fact, they are considered by entomologists as 
insectivorous. The millepedes ( JulidcE ), a cognate genus, is of similar 
habits. 
In answer to J. B. G.’s inquiry about “ gummy substances,” I would 
ask, if such substances were used, would they not be injurious to vege¬ 
tation, by preventing respiration ? Would not a dusting with quick 
lime, after a shower or watering, be more certain in its effects, and less 
hazardous in its consequences ? 
A. 
