The Locusts: their Eggs 



barrack-room in my cages with a leaf of let- 

 tuce. As for the way in which they multiply, 

 that is another matter and one well worth a 

 moment's attention. 



At the same time we must not look for 

 the nuptial eccentricities of the Grasshoppers. 

 Despite close similarity of structure, we are 

 here in a new world as regards habits and 

 character. In the peaceful Locust clan, all 

 that has to do with pairing is correct, free 

 from impropriety and conducted in accord- 

 ance with the customary rites of the ento- 

 mological world. Any one keeping it under 

 observation at the time of the procreative 

 frenzy will realize that the Locust came 

 later than the Grasshopper, after the primi- 

 tive Orthopteron had sown his monstrous 

 wild oats. There is nothing striking to be 

 said therefore on this always delicate sub- 

 ject; and I am very glad of it. Let us pass 

 on and come to the eggs. 



At the end of August, a little before noon- 

 day, let us keep a close watch on the Italian 

 Locust (Caloptenus italicus, LIN.), the bold- 

 est hopper of my neighbourhood. He is a 

 sturdy fellow, very free with his kicks; and 

 he is clad in short wing-cases that hardly 

 reach the tip of his abdomen. His costume 

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