SEPTEMBER. 435 



I have no doubt that with an accurate thermometer, and a 

 perfectly tuned instrument, the corresponding changes pro- 

 duced in the shrilhiess of the tones of these Httle insects, by 

 the changes in the temperature of the atmosphere, might be 

 marked with such a degree of accuracy, as to enable us to 

 use them within certain limits, as a musical thermometer. 

 In my observations I used a very ordinary thermometer to 

 mark the weather, and a German .flute, which is an inaccu- 

 rate instrument for such a purpose, to mark the musical key 

 of the insects. Some allowance, therefore, ought to be made 

 for any little incorrectness which a future observer may detect , 

 in these results. I will venture to assert, however, that the 

 result of any future experiments of this kind would not differ, 

 materially, from that of the following table : — 



Height of Thermometer. Key-note of the Insects. 



80° F natural, perfect time and tune. 



75^ E flat, " " " 



70° D, " " " 



65° C, imperfect time and tune. 



60° B flat, " " " 



55° A, key-note hardly to be detected, 



many out of time and tune. 

 50° G, a few individuals only singing 



slowly and feebly. 



^nm'al l^otiti^s. 



Early Peas. — " Shall you be able to gather a dish of peas in May ? " 

 was a frequent inquiry among gardeners forty years ago. The self-gratula- 

 tion of the one as the question was answered in the affirmative, or the dis- 

 appointed look of the other, fully expressed the importance of having an 

 early dish of peas ; for, however unfavorable the soil or locality might be, 

 the gardener knew well that if his neighbor had a dish of peas in May, his 

 failure would be attributed to his neglect or want of skill. Comparison of 

 the means and assistance at his command would be made with those of his 

 more successful neighbor, and remarks elicited tending to sour and make 

 his temper as ungenial as the stiff, wet, undrained soil he had to cultivate ; 

 for it was then the practice, and with many it is still continued, to sow the 

 first crop of peas in November or beginning of December, notwithstanding 

 the many casualties and failures to which they are liable, for with every 



