Anatolius says that if the seeds of radishes, turnips, and other esculents be sown in the hide of a tortoise, the plants when grown will not be eaten by the fly, nor hurt by noxious animals or birds.[237] Paladius has also related the method of drying the seeds in the hide of this animal,[238] and of sowing them.[239] ORDER II. EUPLEXOPTERA. Forficulidæ--Ear-wigs. The vulgar opinion that the Ear-wig, _Forficula auricularia_, seeks to introduce itself into the ear of human beings, and causes much injury to that organ, is very ancient, but not founded on fact, for they are perfectly harmless. To this opinion the names of this insect in almost all European languages point: as in English, _Ear-wig_ (from Anglo-Saxon _eare_, the ear, and _wigga_, a worm; hence, also, our word _wiggle_), in French, _Perce-oreille_, and in the German, _Ohrwurm_. But, according to some writers, these names arose from the shape of the wing when expanded, which then resembles the human ear; and _ear-wig_ might easily be a corruption of ear-_wing_. Swift, in the following lines, introduces an “Ear-wig (probably a _Curculio_) in a plum,” as though in allusion to some superstition: Doll never flies to cut her lace, Or throw cold water in her face, Because she heard a sudden drum, Or found an ear-wig in a plum. “Oil of Ear-wigs,” says Dr. James, “is good to strengthen the nerves under convulsive motions, by rubbing it on the temples, wrists, and nostrils. These insects, being dried, pulverized, and mixed with the urine of a hare, are esteemed to be good for deafness, being introduced into the ear.”[240] In August, 1755, in the parishes adjacent to Stroud, it is said there were such quantities of Ear-wigs, that they destroyed not only the fruits and flowers, but the cabbages, though of full growth. The houses, especially the old wooden buildings, were swarming with them: the cracks and crevices surprisingly full, so that they dropped out oftentimes in such multitudes as to literally cover the floor. Linen, of which they are fond, was likewise full, as was the furniture; and it was with caution any provisions could be eaten, for the cupboards and safes flocked with these little pests.[241] ORDER III. ORTHOPTERA. Blattidæ--Cockroaches.