Part 1
CURIOUS FACTS IN THE HISTORY OF INSECTS;
INCLUDING SPIDERS AND SCORPIONS.
A COMPLETE COLLECTION OF THE LEGENDS, SUPERSTITIONS, BELIEFS, AND OMINOUS SIGNS CONNECTED WITH INSECTS; TOGETHER WITH THEIR USES IN MEDICINE, ART, AND AS FOOD; AND A SUMMARY OF THEIR REMARKABLE INJURIES AND APPEARANCES.
BY FRANK COWAN.
PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 1865.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
TO MISS CATHARINE STOY THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY HER FRIEND, THE AUTHOR.
PREFACE.
In the early part of the winter of 1863-4, having the free use of the Congressional Library at Washington, I began the compilation of the present work. It was my prime intent, and one which I have endeavored to follow most carefully, to attach some fact, whatever might be its nature, to as many Insects as possible, to increase the interest, in a commonplace way, of the science of Entomology. I noticed the pleasurable satisfaction I invariably felt when I came accidentally upon any extra-scientific fact, and how the association fixed the particular Insect, to which it related, ineffaceably upon my memory. To collect and group, then, all these facts together, to remember many Insects as easily as one,--was a natural thought; and as this had never been done, but to a very limited extent, I undertook it myself.
The facts contained in this volume are supposed to be purely historical, or rather not to belong to the natural history of Insects, namely, their anatomy, habits, classification, etc. They have been collected mostly from Chronicles, Histories, Books of Travels, and such like works, which, at first view, seem to be totally foreign to Insects: and were only discovered by examination of the indexes and tables of contents.
But are my facts _facts_?--it may be asked. They are; but I do not vouch for each one’s containing more than one truth. It is a fact, or truth if you will, that Pliny, Nat. Hist. xi. 34, says, “Folke use to hang Beetles about the neck of young babes, as present remedies against many maladies;” but that this statement is entitled to credit, and that these Insects, hung about the necks of young babes, _are_ a present remedy against many maladies, are two things which may be very true or far otherwise. I confine myself to the fact that Pliny says so, and only wish to be understood in that sense, unless when otherwise stated.
The classification of Mr. Westwood, in the arrangement of the orders and families, I have followed as closely as was possible, except in one or two instances: and where Insects have common and familiar names, they have been given together with their scientific ones.
To Dr. J. M. Toner, of Washington, for his suggestions and assistance in collecting material, I tender my thanks; the same also to N. Bushnell, Esq., and Hon. O. H. Browning, of Quincy, Ill., for the use of their several libraries.
I am much indebted, too, to Mrs. A. L. Ruter Dufour, of Washington, for many superstitions and two pieces of poetry contained in this volume. I beg her to accept my thanks.
GREENSBURG, PENNA., July 10th, 1865.
CONTENTS.
AUTHORS QUOTED 9
COLEOPTERA--BEETLES.
Coccinellidæ--Lady-birds 17
Chrysomelidæ--Gold-beetles 23
Carabidæ 23
Pausidæ 23
Dermestidæ--Leather-beetles 24
Lucanidæ--Stag-beetles 24
Scarabæidæ--Dung-beetles 27
Dynastidæ--Hercules-beetles, etc. 45
Melolonthidæ--Cock-chafers 47
Cetoniidæ--Rose-chafers 49
Buprestidæ--Burn-cows 50
Elateridæ--Fire-flies, Spring-beetles, etc. 51
Lampyridæ--Glow-worms 55
Ptinidæ--Death-watch, etc. 58
Bostrichidæ--Typographer-beetle, etc. 61
Cantharidæ--Blister-flies 62
Tenebrionidæ--Meal-worms 65
Blapsidæ--Church-yard-beetle, etc. 65
Curculionidæ--Weevils 68
Cerambycidæ--Musk-beetles 72
Galerucidæ--Turnip-fly, etc. 74
EUPLEXOPTERA.
Forficulidæ--Ear-wigs 76
ORTHOPTERA.
Blattidæ--Cockroaches 78
Mantidæ--Soothsayers, etc. 82
Achetidæ--Crickets 92
Gryllidæ--Grasshoppers 98
Locustidæ--Locusts 101
NEUROPTERA.
Termitidæ--White-ants 132
Ephemeridæ--Day-flies 138
Libellulidæ--Dragon-flies 138
Myrmeleonidæ--Ant-lions 141
HYMENOPTERA.
Uroceridæ--Sirex 142
Cynipidæ--Gall-flies 143
Formicidæ--Ants 146
Vespidæ--Wasps, Hornets 170
Apidæ--Bees 174
LEPIDOPTERA.
Papilionidæ--Butterflies 216
Sphingidæ--Hawk-moths 232
Bombicidæ--Silkworm-moths 234
Arctiidæ--Woolly-bear-moths 242
Psychidæ--Wood-carrying-moth, etc. 245
Noctuidæ--Antler-moth, Cut-worm, etc. 246
Geometridæ--Span-worms 248
Tineidæ--Clothes’-moths, Bee-moths, etc. 248
HOMOPTERA.
Cicadidæ--Harvest-flies 250
Fulgoridæ--Lantern-flies 255
Aphidæ--Plant-lice 257
Coccidæ--Shield-lice 259
HETEROPTERA.
Cimicidæ--Bed-bugs 265
Notonectidæ--Water-boatmen 275
DIPTERA.
Culicidæ--Gnats 278
Tipulidæ--Crane-flies 286
Muscidæ--Flies 287
Œstridæ--Bot-flies 302
APHANIPTERA.
Pulicidæ--Fleas 305
ANOPLEURA.
Pediculidæ--Lice 316
ARACHNIDÆ.
Acaridæ--Mites 321
Phalangidæ--Daddy-Long-legs 321
Pedipalpi--Scorpions 321
Araneidæ--True-spiders 332
MISCELLANEOUS 363
INDEX 373
AUTHORS QUOTED.
ALEXANDER, SIR JAS. EDW. Exped. of Disc. into Interior of Africa. 2 v. 12mo., London, 1838.
ANDERSON, CHAS. ROSS. Lake Ngami; or, Explor. and Disc. during four years wanderings in S. W. Africa. 8vo., New York, 1856.
ANDREWS, JAMES PETTIT. Anecdotes, etc., Ancient and Modern. New edit. 8vo., London, 1790.
ASIATICK MISCELLANY. 2 v. 4to., Calcutta, 1785, 1786.
ASTLEY, THOMAS. New Gen. Collection of Voyages and Travels in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. 4 v. 4to., London, 1745-1747.
AUBREY, JOHN. Miscellanies upon various subjects. 16mo. 4th edit., London, 1857.
BACKHOUSE, JAMES. Narrat. of Visit to Mauritius and S. Africa. 8vo., London, 1844.
BAIRD, WILLIAM. Cyclopædia of Natural Sciences. 8vo., London and Glasgow, 1858.
BANCROFT, EDWARD. Essay on the Nat. Hist. of Guiana, in S. America. 8vo., London, 1769.
BANCROFT, EDWARD. On Permanent Colours. 2 v. 8vo., London, 1813.
BARTER, CHARLES. The Dorp and the Veld. 16mo., London, 1852.
BARTH, HENRY. Travels and Discov. in North and Central Africa, from 1849 to 1855. 5 v. 8vo., London, 1857-1858.
BIOGRAPHIE UNIVERSELLE, ANCIENNE ET MODERNE. 84 v. 8vo., Paris, 1811-1857.
BJÖRNSTJERNA, COUNT M. Theogony of the Hindoos. 8vo., London, 1844.
BOSMAN, WILLIAM. New and Accurate Desc. of Coast of Guinea. 8vo., London, 1705.
BOYLE, ROBERT. Works. New edit. 6 v. royal 4to., London, 1772.
BRANDE, JOHN. Observations on the Popular Antiquities of Great Britain. 3 v. 12mo., London, 1853-5.
BRAY, ANNA ELIZA. Tamar and the Tavy. 3 v. 12mo., London, 1836.
BROWNE, SIR THOMAS. Works; including his life and Correspondence. 4 v. 8vo., London, 1835.
BROWN, THOMAS. Book of Butterflies, Sphinges, and Moths. 2d edit. 3 v. 16mo., London, 1834.
BURMEISTER, HERMANN. Manual of Entomology. Tr. by W. E. Shuckard. 8vo., London, 1836.
BURTON, RICHD. F. The City of the Saints. 8vo., London, 1861.
BUTLER, ALBAN. Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and other principal Saints. 12 v. 8vo., London, 1854.
BUTLER, CHARLES. Feminine Monarchie. 16mo., Oxford, 1609.
CAMPANIUS, THOMAS. Short Desc. of Province of New Sweden; now called by the English Pennsylvania, in America. Tr. by Peter S. Ponceau. 8vo., Philad., 1834.
CAMPBELL, JOHN. Travels in S. Africa, undertaken at the request of the Missionary Society. 3d edit. 8vo., London, 1815.
CARPENTER, WM. BENJ. Zoology. 2 v. 8vo., London, 1847.
CHAMBERS, ROBERT. Book of Days. Royal 8vo., London, 1862-3.
---- ---- Hist. of Scotland. 2 v. 12mo., London, 1830.
---- ---- Domestic Animals of Scotland from the Reformation to the Revolution. 2 v. 8vo., Edinb. and London, 1859.
---- ---- Popular Rhymes of Scotland. 16mo., Edinburgh, 1826.
---- ---- Select Writings; Popular Rhymes of Scotland. 16mo., Edinburgh, 1841.
CHAMBERS, WILLIAM AND ROBERT. Edinburgh Journal, Feb. 1832 to Dec. 1843. 12 v. in 6 v. folio, London, 1833-’44.
---- ---- New Series. Jan. 1844 to Dec. 1853. 20 v. in 10 v. royal 8vo., London, 1844-’54.
---- ---- Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art. 10 v. in 5 v. 8vo., Edinburgh, 1854-’58.
CHURCHILL, AWNSHAM AND JOHN. Collection of Voyages and Travels. 6 v. folio, London, 1732.
COLEMAN, CHARLES. Mythology of the Hindus. 4to., London, 1832.
COLTON, WALTER. Three Years in California. 12mo., New York, 1850.
CURTIS, JOHN. Farm Insects. Royal 8vo., London, 1860.
CUVIER, G. L. C. F. BARON. Animal Kingdom. By Edwd. Griffeth and others. 16 v. royal 8vo., London, 1827-’35.
DARRELL, WILLIAM. History of Dover Castle. 4to., London, 1797.
DARWIN, CHARLES. Journ. of Research into Nat. Hist. and Geol. of Countries visited during Voy. of H. M. S. Beagle, round the world. New edit. 12mo., London, 1852.
DIAZ DEL CASTILLO, BERNAL. Memoirs and Disc. and Conq. of Mexico and New Spain. Tr. by John J. Lockhart. 2 v. 8vo., London, 1844.
DIODORUS THE SICILIAN, Historical Library of, in fifteen books; Fragments, etc. Tr. by G. Booth. 2 v. 8vo., London, 1814.
DONOVAN, EDWARD. Nat. Hist. of Insects of China. 4to., London, 1842.
DRAYSON, ALFRED W. Sporting Scenes in S. Africa. 8vo., London, 1858.
DU HALDE, J. B. General Hist. of China, etc. 4 v. 8vo., London, 1836.
FABYAN, ROBERT. New Chronicles of England and France. 4to., London, 1811.
FLEMING, FRANCIS. Kaffraria. 12mo., London, 1853.
FORBES, JAMES. Oriental Memoirs. 4 v. 4to., London, 1813.
FOSBROKE, THOS. DUDLEY. Encyclopædia of Antiquities. 2 v. 4to., London, 1825.
GASSENDUS, PETRUS. Mirrour of true Nobility and Gentility. Life of Peiresc. Tr. by W. Rand. 8vo., London, 1657.
GENTLEMAN’S MAGAZINE. 202 v. 8vo., London, 1731-1859.
GOLDSMITH, OLIVER. Hist. of the Earth, and Animated Nature. 4 v. 8vo., London, 1826.
GOOD, JOHN MASON. Study of Medicine. 4th edit. 4 v. 8vo., London, 1840.
GOSSE, PHILIP HENRY. Naturalist’s Sojourn in Jamaica. 12mo., London, 1851.
GROSIER, ABBE J. B. G. A. Genl. Desc. of China. 2d edit. 2 v. 8vo., London, 1795.
HARLEIAN MISCELLANY. 12 v. 8vo., London, 1808-1811.
HARRIS, JOHN. Navigantium atque Itinerantium Bibliotheca; or, a Complete Col. of Voy. and Travels. 2 v. folio, London, 1744, 1748.
HAWKINS, SIR JOHN. General Hist. of the Science and Practice of Music. 5 v. 4to., London, 1776.
HAWKS, FRANCIS L. Monuments of Egypt. 8vo., New York, 1850.
HOLINSHED, RAPHAEL. Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland. 6 v. 4to., London, 1807-8.
HOLMAN, JAMES. Travels in Brazil, Cape Colony, etc. 2d edit. 8vo., London, 1840.
HONE, WILLIAM. Every-Day Book and Table Book. 3 v. royal 8vo., London, 1838.
HORNE, THOMAS HARTWELL. Introd. to the Study of Bibliography. 2 v. in 1, 8vo., London, 1814.
HOUDIN, ROBERT. Autobiograpical Memoirs. 12mo., Philad., 1859.
HUBER, PIERRE. Nat. Hist. of Ants. Tr. by J. R. Johnson. 12mo., London, 1820.
HUGHES, GRIFFITH. Nat. Hist. of Barbados. Folio, London, 1750.
INSECTORUM SIVE MINIMORUM ANIMALIUM THEATRUM. Thos. Moufeti operâ perfectum. Folio, Londoni, 1634.
JACKSON, JAMES GREY. Acct. of Empire of Marocco, and Districts of Suse and Tafilelt. 2d edit. 4to., London, 1811.
JENKINS, JOHN S. Voy. of U. S. Exploring Squadron, commanded by Capt. Chas. Wilkes; from 1838 to 1842. 8vo., Auburn, 1852.
JONES, JOHN MATTHEW. Naturalist in Bermuda. 12mo., London, 1859.
JOSEPHUS, FLAVIUS. Genuine Works. Tr. by William Whiston. Folio, London, 1737.
JOSSELYN, JOHN. Acct. of Two Voyages to New England. 16mo., London, 1674.
KALM, PETER. Travels into North America. Tr. by John R. Foster. 2 v. 8vo., London, 1859.
KIDDER, DANL. P., and J. C. FLETCHER. Brazil and the Brazilians. Royal 8vo., Philad., 1857.
KIRBY, R. S. Wonderful and Eccentric Museum; or, Mag. of Remarkable Characters. 6 v. 8vo., London, 1820.
KIRBY, WILLIAM, and WILLIAM SPENCE. Introduction to Entomology. 5th edit. 4 v. 8vo., London, 1829.
KNOX, ROBERT. Hist. Relation of the Island of Ceylon. 4to., London, 1817.
KOLBEN, PETER. Pres. State of Cape of Good Hope. Tr. by Mr. Medley. 2d edit. 2 v. 8vo., London, 1731, 1738.
KORAN, THE: commonly called the Alcoran of Mohammed. Tr. by Geo. Sale. 8vo., Philad., 1850.
LATROBE, CHAS. JOS. Journ. of Visit to S. Africa, in 1815 and 1816. 8vo., New York, 1818.
LANGSTROTH, L. L. Prac. Treatise on the Hive and Honey-Bee. 3d edit. 12mo., New York, 1860.
LAYARD, AUSTEN H. Disc. among the Ruins of Nineveh and Babylon; with Travels in Armenia, etc. 8vo., New York, 1853.
LEPSIUS, RICHARD. Desc. in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Penins. of Sinai, in 1842-1845. 2d edit. 8vo., London, 1853.
LINNÆUS, CAROLUS. Lachesis Lapponica; or, a Tour in Lapland. Tr. by J. E. Smith. 2 v. 8vo., London, 1811.
LIVINGSTONE, DAVID. Missionary Travels and Researches in S. Africa. 8vo., New York, 1858.
LIVIUS, TITUS. History of Rome. Tr. by George Barker. 2d edit. 6 v. 8vo., London, 1814.
MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. Cond. by J. C. Loudon. 9 v. 8vo., London, 1829-1836.
MARTYR, PETER. De Nouo Orbe; or, The Hist. of the West Indies. Tr. by R. Eden and M. Lok. 4to., London, 1612.
MAYHEW, HENRY. London Labor and the London Poor. 4 v. 8vo., London, 1861, 1862.
MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. 40 v. 8vo., London, 1823-1842.
MOFFAT, ROBT. Missionary Labors and Scenes in S. Africa. 8vo., London, 1842.
MONTFAUCON, BERNARD DE. L’Antiquité Expliquée et Représentée en Figures. 2e édition, revue et corrigée. Lat. et Fr. 5 v. en 10, folio, Paris, 1722.
MONTAIGNE, MICHAEL DE. Works. By William Hazlitt. 8vo., Philad., 1850.
MOUFET, THOMAS. Insectorum sive Minimorum Animalium Theatrum. Londoni, 1634.
---- ---- The same, translated. See Topsel’s Hist. of Beasts, etc.
NATURAL HISTORY OF INSECTS. Vols. 64 and 65 of John Murray’s Fam. Library. 18mo., London, 1830-1842.
NEWELL, ROBT. HASELL. Zoology of the English Poets. 16mo., London, 1845.
OCKLEY, SIMON. History of the Saracens. 3d ed. 2 v. 8vo., Cambridge, 1757.
OGILBY, JOHN. America. Folio, London, 1671.
OLIN, STEPHEN. Travels in Egypt, Arabia Petræa, and the Holy Land. 8th edit. 2 v. 8vo., New York, 1846.
OLIPHANT, LAURENCE. Narrat. of Earl of Elgin’s Mission to China and Japan, in 1857-9. 8vo., New York, 1860.
OWEN, REV. T. Geoponika; or, Agricultural Pursuits. 2 v. 8vo., London, 1805.
PERCY SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS. 30 v. 12mo., London, 1840-’52.
PETTIGREW, THOS. JOS. History of Egyptian Mummies. 4to., London, 1834.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. Royal Society of London. 1665 to 1858. 147 v. 4to., London, 1665-1858.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. Royal Society of London, abridged. 1665 to 1750. 11 v. 4to., London, 1749-1756.
PIERIUS VALERIANUS, IOANNIS. Hieroglyphica. Folio, Lugduni, 1626.
PINKERTON, JOHN. General Collection of Voyages and Travels in all parts of the World. 17 v. 4to., London, 1808-1814.
PLINY, by J. Bostock and H. T. Riley. 6 v. Bohn’s Classical Library.
PLINIUS SECUNDUS, CAIUS. Historie of the World; commonly called the Nat. Hist. of C. Plinius Secundus. Tr. by Philemon Holland. 2 v. in 1, folio, London, 1657.
PRICHARD, JAMES COWLES. Analysis of the Egyptian Mythology. 8vo., London, 1819.
PRINGLE, THOMAS. Narrat. of Resid. in S. Africa. New edit. 8vo., London, 1851.
PURCHAS, SAMUEL. Hakluytus Posthumus; or, Purchas his Pilgrimes. 5 v. folio, London, 1625, 1626.
RHIND, A. HENRY. Thebes; its Tombs and their Tenants, anct. and modern. 8vo., London, 1862.
RICHARDSON, JAMES. Travels in Great Desert of Sahara, in 1845-6. 2 v. 8vo., London, 1848.
RILEY, JAMES. Authen. Narrat. of Loss of Amer. Brig Commerce, wrecked on western coast of Africa, in 1815. 8vo., Hartford, 1850.
RIVERO, MARIANO EDWARD, and JNO. JAS. VON TSCHUDI. Peruvian Antiquities. Tr. by Francis L. Hawks. 8vo., New York, 1853.
ROBBINS, ARCHIBALD. Journ. of Advent. in Africa, in 1815-’17. 12mo., Hartford, 1851.
SAMOUELLE, GEORGE. Entomological Cabinet. 2d edit. 16mo., London, 1841.
SATURDAY MAGAZINE. Folio. From 1833 to 1844, London.
SCHOMBURGK, SIR ROBERT H. Hist. of Barbados. 8vo., London, 1847.
SHAW, GEORGE. General Zoology; or, Syst. Nat. Hist. 14 v. 8vo., London, 1800-1826.
SILLIMAN, BENJAMIN. Amer. Journ. of Sci. and Art. 78 v. 8vo., New York and New Haven, 1819-1859.
SIMMONDS, PETER LUND. Curiosities of Food; or, the Dainties and Delicacies of different nations obtained from the Animal Kingdom. 12mo., London, 1859.
SLOANE, HANS. Voy. to Islands of Madeira, Barbados, Nieves, S. Christophers, and Jamaica; with the Nat. Hist. of Jamaica. 2 v. folio, London, 1707-1725.
SMITH, THOMAS. Wonders of Nature and Art; or, a Concise Acct. of whatever is most curious and remarkable in the world. 12 v. 16mo., Philad., 1806-1807.
SPARRMAN, ANDERS. Voy. to C. of G. Hope, towards Antarc. Circle, and Round the World. From 1772 to 1776. 2 v. 12mo., Perth, 1789.
SOUTHEY, ROBT. Common-Place Book. 4th series. In 4 v. 8vo., London, 1849-1851.
---- ---- Hist. of Brazil. 3 v. 4to., London, 1817-1822.
STANLEY, THOMAS. History of Philosophy. 3d edit. Folio, London, 1701.
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STEEDMAN, ANDREW. Wanderings and Advent. in Interior of S. Africa. 2 v. 8vo., London, 1835.
ST. JOHN, JOHN AUG. Hist. of Manners and Customs of Ancient Greece. 3 v. 8vo., London, 1842.
STRABO, by H. C. Hamilton and W. Falconer. 3 v. Bohn’s Classical Library.
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SWAMMERDAM, JAN. Book of Nature; or, the Hist. of Insects. Tr. by Thos. Floyd. Folio, London, 1758.
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THEODORET AND EVAGRIUS. Hist. of the Church, from A.D. 322 to A.D. 594. 12mo., London, 1854.
THEVENOT, MONSIEUR DE. Travels into the Levant. Folio, London, 1687.
THORPE, BENJ. Northern Mythology. 3 v. post 8vo., London, 1851, 1852.
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TREASVRIE OF AVNCIENT AND MODERNE TIMES. Tr. from Pedro Mexia, M. Francesco Sansovino, Anthony du Verdier, etc., by Thomas Milles. Folio, London, 1613.
---- ---- Containing Ten following Bookes to the former. Folio, London, 1619.
TWELVE YEARS IN CHINA. The People, the Rebels, and the Mandarins. By a British Resident. 12mo., Edinburgh, 1860.
UNIVERSAL HISTORY. Ancient Part. 21 v. 8vo., London, 1747-1754.
VOLNEY, COMTE C. F. Chassebœuf de. Travels through Syria and Egypt, in 1783-’85. 2 v. 8vo., London, 1787.
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CURIOUS HISTORY OF INSECTS.
ORDER I.
COLEOPTERA--BEETLES.
Coccinellidæ--Lady-birds.
The Lady-bird, _Coccinella septempunctata_, in Scandinavia was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and is there to this day called _Nyckelpiga_--Our Lady’s Key-maid,[1] and (in Sweden, more particularly) _Jung-fru Marias Gullhona_--the Virgin Mary’s Golden-hen.[2] A like reverence was paid to this beautiful insect in other countries: in Germany they have been called _Frauen_ or _Marien-käfer_--Lady-beetles of the Virgin Mary; and in France are now known by the names of _Vaches de Dieu_--Cows of the Lord, and _Bêtes de la Vierge_--Animals of the Virgin.[3] The names we know them by, _Lady-bird_, _Lady-bug_, _Lady-fly_, _Lady-cow_,[4] _Lady-clock_, _Lady-couch_ (a Scottish name),[5] etc., have reference also to this same dedication, or, at least, respect.
The Lady-bird in Europe, and particularly in Germany, where it probably is the greatest favorite, and whence most of the superstitions connected with it are supposed to have originated, is always connected with fine weather. At Vienna, the children throw it into the air, crying,--
Käferl’, käferl’, käferl’, Flieg nach Mariabrunn, Und bring uns ä schone sun.
Or,--
Little birdie, birdie, Fly to Marybrunn, And bring us a fine sun.
Marybrun being a place about twelve English miles from the Austrian capital, with a miracle-working image of the Virgin (still connected with the Virgin), who often sends good weather to the merry Viennese.[6]
And, from the marsh of the Elbe, to this little insect the following words are addressed:
Maikatt, Flug weg, Stuff weg, Bring me morgen goet wedder med.
Or,--
May-cat, Fly away, Hasten away, Bring me good weather with you to-morrow.[7]
In England, the children are wont to be afraid of injuring the Lady-bird lest it should rain.
With the Northmen the Lady-bird--Our Lady’s Key-maid--is believed to foretell to the husbandman whether the year shall be a plentiful one or the contrary: if its spots exceed seven, bread-corn will be dear; if they are fewer than seven, there will be an abundant harvest, and low prices.[8] And, in the following rhyme from Ploen, this insect is invoked to bring food:
Marspäert (Markpäert) fleeg in Himmel! Bring my’n Sack voll Kringeln, my een, dy een, Alle lütten Engeln een.
Or,--
Marspäert, fly to heaven! Bring me a sack full of biscuits, one for me, one for thee, For all the little angels one.[9]