The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-08-01
COMMUNICATIONS.
tFor the Ledger.
The Locust.

while to write an article for the Ledger
but the old General has pushed us so hard
this summer, we have not had much time
for writing-we mean the old General
green, the same old chap alluded TO by
Long Grabs in former number of the
Ledger, when speaking of the Rescue
Grass. The subject we have selected may
be little too late; but as I have noticed
nothing in the Ledger yet, relative to the
Locust, the following may be of some in
terest to its patrons. We have taken
pains to possess ourself of correct informa-
ton respecting the Locust that has pre-
vailed so extensively this year.
What we state may be regarded as
authentic. The name Locust, is popular
ly, but incorrectly applied to several spe-
cies of insects. The cideade is called. in
this country, both harvest fly and Locust,
the latter name is wrong. Under the
genuine name Loeusta, is included, by
several modern entomologists, the devour-
ing Locusts Of Asia, and our common
large grasshopper; but the latter have
only once or twice been known, in some
parts of New England, to eat up all the
grass Of the fields, and to attack clothing
and fences TO appease their hunger, app
pearing in immense swsrms, are very diff.
ferent in their habits and formation from
the destructive locust Of the East. The
most destructive species of the latter, is
called the migratory locusts. OF all in
sects capable Of adding to the calamities
OF mankind by destroying the vegetable
productions Of the earth, these possess
powers the most formidable. In Egypt,
Syria, and almost all the south of Asia,
they sometimes make their appearance
in legions literally filing the heavens
and covering the earth. In the space Of
three hours only, they will change the
most fertile provinces into barren deserts,
and darken the very air with their mum.
bers. They have been known, in some
Instances, to extend in this manner over
an area of four thousand square miles.
When dead, they sometimes breed pesti-
lence. The rivers and lakes being SO en-
tirely covered with their carcasses as to
render the water scarcely visible. Hapi.
ly for the inhabitants of those countries,
this dreadful calamity does not often pre-
vail-sometimes many years, or even a
century intervenes. We have no acc cunts
Of the efforts, on the part Of the natives to
destroy them. 1t il said, when on a
march during the day,it is uttsrIy.impgs
sible to turn the direction of the troop
We think il that country were populated
with few millions Of live yankees, they
would give the fellows trial. Som,
method would be invented and patented
it necessary, aud warranted to suit al
latitudes and to be sure and certain ex
termir ator.
But tlre locusts that have pervaded 8,
exten'ively in this country this summer
in such large numbers, are very differen
from the migratory locusts Of Asia. Not
withstanding the fear which prevails il
many communities respecting them, the,
are in no way injurious TO Vegetation ex
cept from the damage done by the femal
in depositing her eggs in the smalle
branches Of fruit and other trees. Il !
even thought by some who have careful,
ly watched their habits, that they do no
eat anything. At all events, where mil
lions Of them iufest the woods and orchards
no traces Of injury from devouring ap
petite are discoverable, as we are able L
testify from careful examination. The,
are what the books term O. ISeptemdeeir
seventeen years locusts, rs this time inter
venes between the periods Of their appear
ance. They are the most remarkable q
their species. Towards the last Of A Apri
when their season returns, they begin +
emerge from the ground, and always du
ring the night. In some places the grounc
is pierced with thousands, ny, millions {
holes as large rs the end Of ones finger
through whicl, they have Issued. II ap
pears they cannot get up through yer,
sandy soil, the reason why IS very oby
J ous, the sand is 50 loose that they cannS
: get foothold so to speak. On their firsl
; coming out, they are in the pupa stat
They crawl TO the nearest tree which the
: ascend some six or eight feet, and in a
hours emerge from their outer covering
which is let sticking fast to the trec, an
and away they triumphsntiy Ay, proJas
ing noise rs loud and sometimes mtie
louder than that Of the .Katy did sine did,
or Cherry Dale"
They thea begin 10 lay their eggs in
: few days which are deposited in clo.
lines along on thsundss side OF the smalls
, hyaach s,f trae .xl,sch shav nierea to III