LOCUSTID^ — LOCUSTS. 131 



was the miserable watch which had been kept, that upon 

 looking out at the warning, they perceived high rocks within 

 bowshot; against which, had it not been for the insect, they 

 must inevitably have been lost. They had just time to drop 

 anchor. From hence they coasted along, the Gryllo sing- 

 ing every night, as if it had been on shore, till they reached 

 the Island of St. Catalina."^ 



To account for the singular sound produced by the Platy- 

 phyllon concavum, which much resembles the expression 

 Katy did, so much so that the insect is now called the Katy- 

 did, — a curious legend is told in this country, and particu- 

 larly in Virginia and Maryland. Mrs. A. L. Ruyter Dufour 

 has kindly embodied it in the following verses for me : 



Two maiden sisters loved a gallant youth, 



Once in the far-otf days of olden time : 

 With all of woman's fervency and truth ; — 



So runs a very ancient rustic rhyme. 



Blanche, chaste and beauteous as a Fairy-queen, 

 Brave Oscar's heart a willing captive led ; 



Lovely in soul as was her form and mien, 



While guileless love its light around her shed. 



A .Juno was the proud and regal Kate, — 



Her love thus scorn'd, her beauty thus defied, 



Like Juno's turn'd her love to vengeful hate :—' 

 Mysteriously the gallant Oscar died. 



Bereft of reason, faithful Blanche soon lay ; — 

 The mystery of this fearful fate none knew, 



Save proud, revengeful Kate, who would not say 

 It wa"? her hand had dared the deed to do. 



Justice and pity then to Jove appealed. 



That the dark secret be no longer hid ; 

 Young Oscar's spirit he at once concealed, 



That cries, each summer night, Kate, Katy-did! 



Hose Hill, B.C., June 24, 1861. 



If a Katy-did enters your house, an unlooked-for visitor 

 will speedily come. If it sings there, some of your family 

 will be noted for fine musical powers. These superstitions 

 obtain in Maryland. 



1 Hist, of Brazil, i. 105. 



