OF SELBORNE. 281 
ticus, or Hovse-cricKet, resides altogether withir 
our dwellings, intruding itself upon our notice 
whether we will or no. This species delights in 
new-built houses, being, like the spider, pleased with 
the moisture of the walls; and, besides, the softness 
of the mortar enables them to burrow and mine be. 
tween the joints of the bricks or stones, and to open 
communications from one room to another. They 
are particularly fond of kitchens and bakers’ ovens, 
on account of their perpetual warmth.* 
Tender insects that live abroad either enjoy only 
the short period of one summer, or else doze away 
the cold, uncomfortable months in profound slum. 
bers; but these, residing as it were in a torrid 
zone, are always alert and merry ; a good Christ. 
mas fire is to them like the heats of the dogdays. 
Though they are frequently heard by day, yet is 
their natural time of motion only in the night. 
As soon as it grows dusk the chirping increases, 
and they come running forth, and are from the size 
* When house-crickets are out and running about in a room 
in the night, if surprised by a candle, they give two or three shrill 
notes, as it were for a signal to their fellows, that they may es- 
cape to their crannies and lurking holes, to avoid danger. 
Aa 
