23 



system is more prominently developed in the Acrulida than in any other 

 family of the order, which has induced Lc'on Dufour to give them the highest 

 rank in the order. 



The digestive system consists of an alimentary canal extending almost 

 direct from the mouth to the extremity of the abdomen, which is divided by 

 constrictions into four apartments or divisions. The first (cesophagus) is 

 somewhat inflated in its posterior half, giving it a sub-conical shape, and is 

 contained in the thorax. The proventriculus proper, which is found in other 

 families of this order, is wanting in the Acriduke, its functions, according to 

 L(ion Dufour, being performed by the pyloric valve, which is situated at the 

 posterior extremity of the first portion, where it joins the next. The second, 

 according to the author named, is the chylijic ventricle, and is the longest por- 

 tion of the canal, though not more expanded than the postei'ior portion of the 

 oesophagus ; its form is sub-cylindrical. The two last divisions are some- 

 what smaller than the previous ones, and constitute the intestines. The 

 hepatic organ consists of a number of simple, elongate, cylindrical filaments, 

 uniting with the digestive apparatus at the junction of the second and third 

 apartments. 



The salivary ghmds are but sliglitly developed in this family, reaching 

 their simplest form in the Tettigince. 



The respiratory apparatus of the Acrididce. does not differ materially from 

 that of other insects, consisting of a number of elastic anastomosing tubes or 

 tracheae, which have their origin and communicate with the external air at 

 the stigmata, or little mouths, one of which is placed on each side of the tho- 

 racic and first eight abdominal segments. 



The ovaries consist of two tubes, which are attenuate for a short distance 

 near the base (posterior extremity, where they unite), but beyond which they 

 are inflated, terminating at the extremity in a long, slender, cylindrical tube. 

 From the inner side of the inflated portion extend a number of multilocular 

 tubes, tapering to the extremity ; these, when fully expanded, resemble, in 

 their position and appearance, witli regard to the main tubes, the teeth of a 

 comb ; but their natural position is one of great beauty, folded together from 

 each side, with their points projecting forward, appearing like delicate chains. 

 The seminal receptacle consists of a pedunculated vessel, whose closed ex- 

 tremity is dilated into a pea-shaped vesicle, forming the capsula seviiiiis. 



It has been repeatedly stated that the species of this fixmily lay their 



