Cantharides are comparatively rare in Germany; yet we are told in the German Ephemerides, says Brookes, that in June, 1667, there were found about the town of Heldeshiem, such a great number of them, that they covered all the willow-trees. Likewise that in May, 1685, when the sky was serene and the weather mild, a great number of Cantharides were seen to settle upon a privet-tree, and devour all the leaves; but they did not meddle with the flowers. We are also told that the country people expect the return of these insects every seven years. It is very certain, adds Brookes, that such a number of these insects have been together in the air, that they appeared like swarms of bees; and that they have so disagreeable smell, that it may be perceived a great way off, especially about sunset, though they are not seen at that time. This bad smell is a guide for those who make it their business to catch them.[201] Tenebrionidæ--Meal-worms. The larvæ of the _Tenebrio molitor_, commonly called Meal-worms, which are found in carious wood, are bred by bird-fanciers, to feed nightingales, and constitute the only bait by which these shy birds can be taken: a fact the more curious when it is considered that the nightingale, in a state of nature, can seldom or never see these larvæ. They are also used to feed cameleons which are exhibited.[202] Blapsidæ--Church-yard beetle, etc. We learn from Linnæus that in Sweden the appearance of the Church-yard beetle, _Blaps mortisaga_, produces the most violent alarm and trepidation among the people, who, on account of its black hue and strange aspect, regard it as the messenger of pestilence and death. Hence is this insect called _mortisaga_--the prophesier of death.[203] A common species in Egypt, the _Blaps sulcata_, is made into a preparation which the Egyptian women eat with the view of acquiring what they esteem a proper degree of plumpness! The beetle they broil and mash up in clarified butter; then add honey, oil of sesame, and a variety of aromatics and spices pounded together.[204] Fabricius reports that the Turkish women also eat this insect, cooked with butter, to make them fat. He also tells us that they use it in Egypt and the Levant, as a remedy for pains and maladies in the ears, and against the bite of scorpions.[205] Carsten Niebuhr also mentions this curious practice of the women of Turkey, and adds, the women of Arabia likewise make use of these insects for the same purpose, taking three of them, every morning and evening, fried in butter.[206]