302 TENANTS OF AN OLD FARM. 



ihree distinct notes, almost exactly resem))lin!j; articu- 

 lated sounds. These correspond to the rapidity with 

 which the wing-covers arc shifted across each other, 

 and the note produced is very well expressed in the 

 popular name of the insect." 



" Are the katydids nocturnal insects like the cricket ?" 

 asked Abby. 



"Yes ; during the daytime they are silent, and con- 

 ceal themselves among the leaves of trees ; but at the 

 approach of twilight they quit their lurking-places and 

 mount to the tops of the trees in which they live. 

 Then the males begin the tell-tale call with which they 

 enliven their silent mates. The noisy babble breaks 

 forth from neighboring trees, mitil all the groves at last 

 resound with the rival notes of ' Katy-did it, hitijdid ." 

 The amorous concert continues the live-long night, and 

 at the break of day the serenaders creep back to their 

 leafy covert." 



"What is the scientific name of the katydid ?" asked 

 the Doctor. 



"It is somewhat formidable — Pintijphijlhon pers})iciJ- 

 latiim ; but the generic name, which means hroad-vhuj, 

 is quite expressive, as you may see b}' a glance at Hie 

 insect. 



"The story of katydid's development is but a repeti- 

 tion of the cricket's. It is found in the perfect state 

 during the months of September and October, at which 

 time the female lays her eggs. These are about an 

 eighth of an inch in length, and resemble tiny, oval 

 bivalve shells in shape. The insect lays them in two 



