::<> INSTRUMENT OF GRASSHOPPER. 



large green field cricket* this drum is describedf as a round 

 plate of transparent membrane tensely stretched,, and surrounded 

 by a prominent edge, or nervure. The instrument is to be found 

 in that part of the right wing-case which is folded horizontally 

 over the trunk, and is concealed under the left, in which also 

 there is a strong circular nervure corresponding to the hoop of 

 the drum beneath. The quick motion with which these 

 iMTvures are rubbed together producing a vibration in the 

 membrane, is supposed to augment the sound. 



What we call familiarly the singing or chirping of grass- 

 hoppers and locusts, is outwardly produced by application of 

 the hind shank to the thigh,, rubbing it smartly against the 

 wing-cases, and alternating the right and left legs ; but these, 

 as well as the cicada and the cricket, are provided with their 

 "petits tambours," -membrane- covered drums, or cavities of 

 somewhat varied construction, to augment the sound of exterior 

 origin. 



Be it here observed, that the above named professors of tin; 

 "joyeuse science' -the cicada lyre-players the crickets of 

 our field and household bands the roving grasshopper trouba- 

 dours, are all, like the feathered minstrels of grove and garden, 

 of the masculine sex ; each doubtless playing his mid-day 

 sonata, or evening serenade, with intent mainly to tickle the 

 ear and fancy of his listening lady. 



On the muteness of the latter was founded a sly joke on 



* Acrid a riridiasima. (Vignette.) f By De Geer. 



