Note 31 — PETER KALM’s TRAVELS. (continued 3)
Johann Reinhold Forster translation
When the inhabitants of Pensylvania sow pease procured from abroad, they are not commonly attacked by these insects for the first year; but in the next they take possession of the pea. It is greatly to be wished that none of the ships which annually depart from New York or Pensylvania, may bring them into the European countries. From hence the power of a single despicable insect will plainly appear; as also, that the study of the œconomy and of the qualities of insects, is not to be looked upon as a mere pastime and useless employment.31