8 



the sounds of several musical instruments, but cannot be identified 

 with any. A duet, with the bass of a small organ, and a Jeicsharp, 

 (or rather Jawsharp, as there was probably no such instrument 

 among the Jews,) is the best imitation we can conceive. 



The note can be heard, in a clear, calm atmosphere, threeorjour 

 hundred yards, but is not so astounding as it has been represented, 

 scarcely interrupting colloquial intercourse. When thousands unite 

 in the same choir, the universal din seems to compose a musical 

 atmosphere, upon which all other sounds float unmolested. The 

 note is never heard between the setting and rising sun. High winds 

 and cloudy weather repress, but do not silence it. A damp air 

 lessens its shrillness, and the number of songsters. Heavy or long 

 continued rains put a period to the whole process; but it is re- 

 sumed at the return of the rays of the sun ; and no sooner is the 

 water evaporated from the earth and surrounding foliage, than the 

 whole choir is heard in full glee. While the note is issuing, a mi- 

 nute inspection perceives a tremblous motion of the body, vibrating 

 under the impulse of the air in the musical cavities, and if the body 

 be touched it is still more evident. This will be better understood 

 when the whole apparatus shall have been described. 



The external appearance of the full grown locust bears a strong 

 resemblance to the common horsefly* It is from an inch and a 

 quarter to an inch and three quarters long, and from three eighths to 

 half an inch in diameter, at the largest part of the body, and, in- 

 cluding the wings, from an inch and a half to an inch and Jive eighths. 



The body is black, except the Jour rings that run transversely over 

 it, two large and two smaller, all tipped with orange. 



The shape of the head is a good miniature picture of the head of 

 the elephant. 



The eyes are red, though a few are black, and very prominent, 

 which increases their visual power, while it contracts its sphere, 

 which is limited to less than two Jeet, as may be demonstrated by 

 removing them beyond that distance from any object to which they 



* Hyppobosca Equina. 



