ORTHOPTEBA. 207 



have just been treating, most authors agree in placing 

 the important one above named. This position, in 

 the series of ordinal groups, it has obtained in con- 

 sequence of presenting many properties in common 

 with the coleoptera ; some of the older entomologists, 

 indeed, regarded them as so closely allied, as not to 

 admit of separation. But this opinion could only 

 result from an imperfect acquaintance with their re- 

 spective characters ; for in the present instance, the 

 peculiarities are sufficiently distinctive and important, 

 fully to entitle this order to the rank which it now 

 holds. 



The name having been applied in conformity with 

 what has been called the Alary system in entomology, 

 has reference to the nature and peculiarities of the 

 organs of flight. These are found to be folded longi- 

 tudinally when at rest, and ogdog straight, vrsga wings, 

 affords a term indicating this disposition. As in the 

 preceding order, the wings are four in number. The 

 anterior pair are of a pretty stiff substance, resembling 

 parchment, serving both for the purpose of protecting 

 the inferior wings, and also assisting in flight. In the 

 former respect, they perform the same service as 

 elytra, but in the latter share in a function to which 

 elytra cannot be said to be directly subservient. In- 

 stead, therefore, of having that name applied to them, 

 as is often done, it is better that they should have a 

 distinctive appellation of their own; and of the various 

 terms that have been used, tegmina seems the most 

 appropriate. In far the greater number of instances 

 they do not form a straight line along the back, where 



