ORTHOPTERAACRIDIDAE INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 857 



It is evident that by this arrangement the groups, with perhaps two 

 exceptions, form as close connections on each side as is possible ; for exam- 

 ple, the connection of Acridldce with Truxalidce is natural, as is that of the 

 latter with (Edipodidce. 



By reference to my Synopsis (page 144), it will be seen that I also 

 maintain this bilateral connection of the Tryxalides, placing Xiphocera on the 

 side next the Acridii as the connecting link. But I there place the Tryxa- 

 lides at the head, and the others as the parallel links of two descending 

 or ascending lines. 



If Stal intends Proscopidce to stand before PhymatidcB as the connecting 

 link between this family and Pliasmidcc, and he can scarcely do otherwise, 

 then his arrangement will be somewhat in the form of a recurring series : 

 beginning with the elongate conical head and slender form in Proscopia, he 

 passes through the gradually shortening and swelling forms of the Phyma- 

 tidce, to the large lubberly Pamphagus elephas, which, by its size and unwieldy 

 appearance, reminds us strongly of the Brachypeplus magnus of our western 

 plains. When he reaches his Truxalidcc, he again has the conical head and 

 slender body, which again recedes from view when he enters the (Edipo- 

 didce. It is evident therefore that this linear arrangement depending on one 

 or two characters, no matter how permanent, is not in accordance with 

 nature. There are evidently diverging lines, and Di\ Stal's work has ren- 

 dei-ed it quite probable that there are three of these lines instead of two, as 

 I have given ; and this also increases the evidence in favor of Dr. Scudder's 

 idea as to the ascending order of the families, as it indicates the conic head 

 and slender form as the more generalized, as it is the converging point of 

 three different lines. While I am compelled to admit these facts as against 

 my view as to the position in the scale of being, yet it but increases the 

 difficulty at the other extremity of the family. 



I am satisfied that no arrangement can stand the test of future investi- 

 gations which separates the Proscopice and Tryxalidce so widely as Dr. 

 Stal has done, no matter how satisfactory it may be in other respects. 

 While I am fully conscious of the difficulties experienced in attempting to 

 arrange the subdivisions in a continuous line, at the same time I consider it 

 very doubtful whether success in this respect is advantageous or in accord- 



