LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 



EVENING EIGHTH. 



CRICKETS. 



In our city houses we have not much oppor- 

 tunity of becoming acquainted with the little 

 crickets which, in the country, often chirp so mer- 

 rily in the chimney corner, of a winter's evening. 



There is nothing very remarkable about this 

 little insect, neither is its chirping particularly 

 musical, but it seems to have a peculiarly plea- 

 sant and soothing effect upon the mind ; and it 

 is probably on this account that we see it so 

 frequently and pleasantly alluded to, even by 

 our best writers. The celebrated poet, Milton, 

 chose to pass many of his thoughtful hours in a 

 spot where crickets resided: 



Far from all resort of mirth, 

 Save the cricket on the hearth." 



