To account for the singular sound produced by the _Platyphyllon concavum_, which much resembles the expression _Katy did_, so much so that the insect is now called the Katy-did,--a curious legend is told in this country, and particularly in Virginia and Maryland. Mrs. A. L. Ruter Dufour has kindly embodied it in the following verses for me: Two maiden sisters loved a gallant youth, Once in the far-off days of olden time: With all of woman’s fervency and truth;-- So runs a very ancient rustic rhyme. Blanche, chaste and beauteous as a Fairy-queen, Brave Oscar’s heart a willing captive led; Lovely in soul as was her form and mien, While guileless love its light around her shed. A Juno was the proud and regal Kate,-- Her love thus scorn’d, her beauty thus defied, Like Juno’s turn’d her love to vengeful hate:-- Mysteriously the gallant Oscar died. Bereft of reason, faithful Blanche soon lay;-- The mystery of this fearful fate none knew, Save proud, revengeful Kate, who would not say It was her hand had dared the deed to do. Justice and pity then to Jove appealed, That the dark secret be no longer hid; Young Oscar’s spirit he at once concealed, That cries, each summer night, _Kate_, _Katy-did_! ROSE HILL, D. C., June 24, 1864. If a Katy-did enters your house, an unlooked-for visitor will speedily come. If it sings there, some of your family will be noted for fine musical powers. These superstitions obtain in Maryland. ORDER IV. NEUROPTERA. Termitidæ--White-ants. The Termites or White-ants (which are _ants_ only by a misnomer) are found in both the Indies, in Africa, and in South America, where they do vast damage, in consequence of their eating and perforating wooden buildings, utensils, furniture, and indeed all kinds of household stuff, which are utterly destroyed by them if not timely prevented. They are found also in Europe, and, about thirty years ago, from the extent of their ravages in the West of France, and particularly at Rochelle, caused considerable alarm.[446]