STRAIGHT-WINGED INSECTS. 149 



which soon covered the whole sky, entirely intercept- 

 ing all solar light. 



These apparent clouds were nothing but swarms 

 of Grasshoppers, which in a short time descended to 

 the ground with a shrill, whistling noise, covering an 

 immense area of land which a few hours before was 

 clothed with thick luxuriant grass, and in a few mo- 

 ments after was as barren as a turnpike. 



This species of Grasshopper is over two inches long 

 and of a light brown color. On account of its wander- 

 ing life, it was called by Linnams the migratory or wan- 

 dering Grasshopper, Gryllus migratorius. This is the 

 same insect as the one mentioned by Matthew in the 

 3d chapter, 4th verse, where he speaks of John say- 

 ing '-' his meat was Locusts and wild honey," and it is 

 even now a common article of food among several 

 eastern nations, and particularly among the Arabians. 



In the United States we have a large number of 

 different species of Grasshopper, whose characteristics 

 are very similar, and whose ravages would be very 

 extensive, breeding famine and pestilence if they were 

 allowed to increase and multiply as they do in other 

 countries. This, however, as has been remarked, is 

 impossible as long as we have so many reptiles and 

 birds to devour them. 



