THOMAS MOUFAT. XXI 



Cicada seem to have been somewhat his favourite ento- 

 mological study, for he gives us ten full pages relating 

 to their ancient and then-knov^n history. Much of 

 his book is occupied with the fables and the allusions 

 of classic authors. 



Probably on account of the Cicadae possessing a long 

 proboscis and showing some other affinities, Moufat 

 groups them with the Hemipterous water-insect, Noto- 

 nccta, which generic word, he says, is derived from 

 " Hyptionecticen," because they have learnt to swim 

 on their backs. Now that an aquatic Cicada has recently 

 been discovered in Australia, it is interesting to read 

 a phrase with reference to the " water -boatman " 

 written 250 years ago : — " Cicadae aquatici formam 

 descriptam retinent." Moufat' s illustrations consist 

 of nine rough wood-cuts of Cicadae, all of which point 

 to some large Indian forms, probably those imported 

 from New Guinea by his cotemporary and friend, Dr. 

 Louis Atmar. 



Thomas Moufat, disgusted with the luxury of his 

 day, partook of the Puritanic spirit then rising in 

 England, which culminated in the asceticism of a later 

 reign. He says we may profitably compare the nature 

 of the Cicadae with that of Man. The insects surpass 

 us lords in virtues (" virtutibus dominos antecellunt, ct 

 nobis morum magistrae (mistresses ?) esse possint "), 

 for they lead innocent lives, devour no living creature, 

 and misuse nothing ; whilst we convert things to 

 wrong uses, and even act niggardly to our failing 

 parents. The Cicada, frugal in his meal, wants no 

 variety in his meat, nor makes curious mixtures of 

 abominations in his dishes. What guest ends his 

 feast like the Cicada ! Then he inveighs against 

 gluttony, "Yea! foul curiosity, born of folly, comes 

 on men ; so that they must mix together meats of 

 contrary nature, — fruits, vegetables, aromatics, meats, 

 and liquors, all are cooked together. Men gloat 

 on the very act of swallowing, and hold in disgust 

 the frugal but health-giving tables of the better sort ; 



