common towards the end of this and the beginning of the next month; the larvæ live in the solid wood of the oak, the ash, and the willow, but more particularly the last, which they perforate in various directions. They are very destructive, as may easily be imagined from their duration and size, the length of the full-grown larvæ being four inches, and their period of existence in that state three years. They remain in the state of pupa or chrysalis about three weeks. Come on therefore, let us enjoy the good things that are present; and let us speedily use the creatures like as in youth. "Let us fill ourselves with costly wine, and ointments, and let no flower of the spring pass by us. "Let us crown ourselves with rose-buds, before they be withered." The Wisdom of Solomon, ii. 6-8. |