The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1855-05-26
I.Ocusts.

LOcusts.
The last visitation in this region OF what
are known as the seventeen year locusts,
occurred, according to the most authentic
chronicles on the subject, in 1888, so that
the present is the year for their RETURN
They are first discovered in this latitude,
we believe about the 10th of June, near the
surface, in the form Of large white grub or
worm, about an inch long, and quarter OF
an inch in diameter. In five or six days
more they throw off their worm-ikc state,
by casting their skins; and it is said, Qor
ace have never watched them so closely to
prepare themselves for this change they fix
their hinder feet to some twig or corner Of
stone, when Immediately, by an undulating
motion used on the occasion, their heads
first appear, and soon after the rest OF their
bodies The transformation occupies some
10 minutes, when they are full flcdgcd, per-
feet locusts.
Although seventeen years is the regular
period for their recurrence, stragglers are
generally seen the year preceding; and such
was the case here last year. Indeed in such
numbers were they observed last summer in
few places near Ottawa, that some persons
contend it must have been their regular
year, and that they will this year be looked
for in vain. As they are frequently quite
destructive to vegetation, and we have seen
enough of them to crafty orr curosi-
ty, we hope the surmise is correct, but We
have strong doubts Indeed, in the south.
crn part Of this state and in Missouri they
have already appeared, and in such swarms,
according to the Missouri Republican, as to
create serious apprehcnsions.
We imagine, however, there is no need
of serious alarm. The seventeen year To-
Gusts of our country are not to be coniound
cd with the insect Of that name in Africa
and the East, and which in its occasional in
cursons into Europe, Is looked for with as
much dread as the threatened advent of an
invading army. our locust, which is found
only in the U. S., and here not even in all
the states, seldom does much damage. For
the first six weeks after its appearance it
docs not seem to feed at all, and on opening
one, the body appears to be a mere hollow
shell, without digestng organs. 1t then
takes to the trees, young oaks being its IA
voritc, and shortly before its disappearance
many of the small twgs Of the oaks appear
to be girdled and partially cut off, and hang
suspended from the cxtrcmitics of the
branches. The leaves turn red as when
touched by the frost in autumn. On exam.
nation these twigs appear to be sawed
about two-thirds off, and girdled, so that the
circulation of sap being cut Off it soon dies,
and probably falls to the ground during the
ensuing winter, by the action Of wind, rain
and snow.
The general belief, says writer on the
subject, is, that by a curious and remarkable
instinct, the insect is led to deposit its eggs
in some secure mode upon these small twigs
and then thus partially to sever them from
the parent stock, SO that by their fall the
eggs shall be borne gently and safely to the
ground, into whose bosom they are in some
form received and cherished, to rc-appcar in
the form of the ful-grown locust, after the
lapse Of seventeen years. Beyond these
twigs, except in very dry seasons, we be.
licvc they seldom attack any other vegcta-
ton. And while they are thus compare.
lively harmless, they can be turned to many
good accounts. They are n favoritc food Of
various species of animals. Immense mum.
bcrs are destroyed by the hog before they
emerge from the ground: they are also,
when in their perfect state, eagerly devoured
by chickens, squirrels, and many Of the lar
ger birds. The Indians, likewise, consider
them delicate food when fried, and in New
Jersey they have been turned to profitable
account in making soap!