"Seek diligently and you will find healthful good even in noxious
things."
In Montalluyah learned men are employed wholly in the study of the
properties of insects, for these contain valuable electricities.
Colonies of insects, brought by the storms, formerly destroyed whole
crops, till a simple mode was discovered for protecting our fields and
capturing the marauders.
It was ascertained what plant the insects liked most. This, fortunately,
proved to be a common plant--one that could be produced in great
abundance. Large beds of it are grown in a place concealed as much as
possible from view. Amongst the coveted flowers is sprinkled a strong
scent, which attracts the insects, who, finding the plant they like so
much, congregate there, abandoning entirely the other plants.
We have gauze of a very fine and yet strong texture, with which nets are
formed. One half of the net is laid over the plant-bed when certain
winds foretell the coming of the insects, and as soon as these have
covered the favourite plant, the top of the net, moved by a spring from
either side, closes over and secures the swarm. Where not necessary to
secure the insects alive, we sprinkle over the attractive plant-beds a
strong poison, which is itself extracted from insects.
There are at times certain impurities in places very difficult of
access. Swarms of insects, secured in immense cages, are brought as near
as can be to the spot. The cages opened, the insects instantly rush out
in swarms, and soon consume everything that has produced the noxious
exhalations. All insects,--indeed all created things,--have, in
Montalluyah, some properties useful to man.