

BRITISH ORTHOPTERA. 



INTRODUCTION. 



IN the Orthoptera we have one of those orders of 

 insects which have frequently been spoken of as 

 " neglected,' and the reason for the use of the term 



O ' 



is not far to seek. Many- -perhaps too many- -of 

 those who take an interest in anv division of the 



> 



insect-world, do so with almost the sole object (in 

 itself laudable enough no doubt) of forming a collection 

 of specimens that shall delight the eye by their 

 pleasing appearance. Even when they breed the 



insects on which their choice has fallen, thev do so 



i 



in order to fill up with perfect specimens the ranks 

 in their cabinets. To these, such groups as the 

 Orthoptera can scarcely be expected to appeal. 



Others there are who capture and breed insects 

 with the object of ascertaining what may be learnt of 

 their habits, of discovering the life-history both of the 



O t/ 



individual and of its race, of tracing the relationships 

 that exist, or have existed, between insect-races extant 

 or extinct, or with some other scientific purpose in 

 view. To the notice of these our Orthoptera may 

 with confidence be presented. Let it be added also, 

 that as the specimens increase in number, many of 

 them possessing in one way or another an individuality 

 of their own, the collection will soon become as pleasing 

 in the eyes of its compiler as any formed of the more 

 showy members of the insect -race. 



Perhaps, however, the great point in favour of the 



1 



