The Cricket: the Song 



vv^hlch would mean that it could keep up its 

 music all the longer? Or are there at least 

 some Crickets who are permanently left- 

 handed? I expected to find this the case, 

 because of the absolute symmetry of the 

 wing-cases. Observation convinced me of 

 the contrary. I have never come across a 

 Cricket that failed to conform with the ge- 

 neral rule. All those whom I have examined 

 — and they are many — without a single ex- 

 ception carried the right wing-case above the 

 left 



Let us try to interfere and to bring about 

 by artifice what natural conditions refuse to 

 show us. Using my forceps, very gently, of 

 course, and without straining the wing-cases, 

 I make these overlap the opposite way. This 

 result is easily obtained with a little dex- 

 terity and patience. The thing is done. 

 Everything is in order. There is no disloca- 

 tion at the shoulders; the membranes are 

 without a crease. Things could not be better- 

 arranged under normal conditions. 



Was the Cricket going to sing, with his 

 inverted instrument? I was almost expect- 

 ing it, appearances were so much in its 

 favour; but I was soon undeceived. The 

 insect submits for a few moments; then, find- 



331 



