Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-30
NOTES FOR NATuRALISTS.

The Hessian fly is half way round the
world, having lately been reported fsom
New Zealand
TEE asparagus beetle is reported as
gradually spreading southwark. 1t has
lately been found in several parts of Vir-
ginia.
BEES emit O giutnous fluid from their
feet to enable them TO adhere to a smooth
surface. This is what causes the combs 10
become dark if allowed to remain on the
hive long after being sealed.
TIE thistle at the antipodes seems to at
tain a most vigorous growth. Its root
penetrates to depth Of from twelve to
twenty feet, and this root, even when ont
into small pieces, retains vitality, each
piece producing new plant.
A NEBRASKA man has settled the ques-
ton Of how prairie dogs obtain the water
they drink. He says they dig their own
wells, each village having one with a con-
cealed opening He knows of one such
well 200 feet deep, having circular stair
case leading down to the water.
THE humps of the camel are mere humps
of fat, and not provided for in the frame
work of the skeleton. When the animal is
in good condition the humps are fun and
plump. On long journey where food is
scarce the humps are absorbed, and at the
journeys end the skin covering the humps
hangs over an empty bag on tho animals
tanks.
II must be accepted as a scientific verify
that the power 10 fascinate so universally
granted to the snake does not exist, but
rather, in accordance with the Heaven pro-
nounced curse on the snake, animated nat
If>vh<
entertains such strong feelings OF fear and
repulsion towards this animal as to suffer
temporary paralysis when meeting it.
VANILLA is join:ed vine with a thicl,
feshy leaf, and flowers that require arti-
fetal fertilization. The fruit is bean pod,
which, properly prepared, is the markets-
bic commodity. It's native habitat Is Cen
trail America, but it has been naturalized in
the islands of Bourbon, Msuritius, and in
Java, and is now being introduced into Fiji
with success. II is also largely grown in
Southern India and IN Burmah, where II
forms profitable crop
THE jumping mouse in leaping take. q
course in zig-zags, clearing two or three
yards at time, springing with its hind feet,
but landing on It's forefect at each bound
Audubon says that it is certainly the most
aRi4e OF anlluAl5 Ia the en- IRE WORTH fauna.
Farmers sometimes plcw it up IN their
wheatfclds, when it makes OF in magnih-
cent, leaps. 1t feeds on grain and various
kinds of seed, but rarely docs much dam
age. Strictly nocturnal in its habits, IL may
be found haunting either the woods or the
open cultivated fields.
A BEETLE has strong jaws which move
sidewise, as seen in the large pInehing
Dug beetle. Thus such insects can MP aud
eat the foliage from herb and tree. Bugs,
On the other hand, have strong beak.
which, sword-like, they thrust into the
plant or animal, where they can suck the
1Jice or blood. Beetles eat; and 80 we may
hope to poison them by busting with poison
the foliage which they infest- A bug would
thrust its bcak safely through the poison,
suck the juice Of the plant and care not for
our remedy. Thus, we can poison beetles
with paris green, but not bugs.
CATEKrrILaEs are of many kinds and So
lect various places in which 70 spend the
period when they are changing from tho
worm into tas form Of Q butterfly or moth.
Some roll up leaves for their houses. some
burrow In the ground, and others secress
themselves in hollow places In trees. Be-
fore turning into . butterfly or moth
the caterpillar becomes pnpa or chrys Ala.
The ones you have found under TIE fireplace
bricks are probably those OF some common
variety Of moth. but Ia the absence of
clear description we are unable 20 form aay
ccurate judgment Of the species.