Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-05-15
THE "sEvENTEEN-YEAR LOCUsTs-
THEIR REAPPEARANCE IN 1885.

THE "SEvENTEEN-YEAR" LOCUSTS-
THEIR REAPPEARANCE IN 1888.
A few weeks ago we mentioned the fact
that seventeen years ago, the Rev. A. H.
Bassett, D. D., then residing here, and
serving as editor Of the Methodist Protest.
ant, announced in communication,
printed in an issue of the Daily Republic
early in the winter of 1868, that the
''seventeen-year" locusts would appear in
the summer of that year, as they did. We
also stated in connection with this that Mr..
Bassett predicted the temperance Of this
insect--or "bird''-the pending summer.
1t is called, in scientific phrase, the "Cica-
da Septendecem." We append herewith
an interesting communication from DR.,
Bassett, on this matter, which our readers
will peruse with pleasure:
The nature and habits Of this species Of
animal are extraordinary; yet are they
a Fixed fact. Once only In Il period OF sew
| snteen years these creatures appear in count
less numbers, spreading over certain districts
Of country. They come up out Of the earth,
and are at first plump and oily in substance,
i serving as tempting food to swine, squirrels,
! bi. ds and domestic towl'. They necessarily
sing and rejoice for few short weeks in the
light OF day, from which they have been 90
long absent. After depositing their eggs, in
providing for future term, they gradually
diminish and shrivel away, leaving but a
dried up shell.
This (lss5) is the locust year for Western
Ohio. Before many days, probably within
the latter part Of May, and during the month
Of June, the citizens of Clark county and ad.
jscent parts will be entertained with the visit
| Of this wonderful creature. 1t 10 cause OF
| gratitude, however, that the visitation is NOT
to be dreaded, a. ID the appearing of the de.
vouring locusts In the oriental countries.
| 1t Is curious to relate that our coming
visitor seems to be furnished with eating or.
gsus, and we have always understood tina,
there is no appearance Of his eating at all l,
woutu iuucCA DOCu1 tuut Sulb ICWuT AhOic CIC3-
ture is an inhabitant of the earth beneath
aud came up but once in the period Of gen.
Grafton, TO rejoice with Us in beholding the
light Of the sun, then returning to the un.
known depth. The only injury done by The
eieada septendecem, 30 far a. the writer bal
learned, is in perforating. the branches oi
young trees, for depositing its eggs, which
are propagated in great numbers. Of course,
tender portions are selected, and the larva,
1t is presumed, receive nourishment from the
juices OF the tree, sometimes to exhaustion
Some young trees thus perish.
| The period OF the seventeen-year locusti
vary as to tho year Of their appearance In
different sections OF the country. In Eastern
Ohio. their several periods were noted by the
late learned naturalist, DR.. Hildreth, Of Ma.
rietta, from the first settlement of Ohio, al
1875, 1912, 1929, ls46. And since bis de.
cease. we add 1863 and 1880. The correct.
ness Of this latter could be atlesied by persons
living within the Re gion extending from New.
ark, Ohio. to Fairmont, West Virginia. For
Western Ohio their periods have been thus
1884. 1851, 1868, and now, as we anticipate,
1885. We know not over what extent Of
country the cicada for our period extends bis
sway; but we shall be curious to observe and
learn hereafter.
This species Of cicoda is not 90 large as the
common locust and not so shy. He can read
lily be approached and readily caught. From
in incessant din, "rha-ro. pha-ro." where
there 10 vegetation, it is sometimes called the
Pharaoh Locust.