The Life of the Grasshopper 



first object of his bow is to hymn the bless- 

 ings of life. 



The hermit also sings for the benefit of 

 his fair neighbours. The Cricket's nuptials 

 would, I warrant, present a curious scene, if 

 it were possible to follow their details far 

 from the commotions of captivity. To seek 

 an opportunity would be labour lost, for the 

 insect is very shy. I must await one. Shall 

 I ever find it? I do not despair, in spite of 

 the extraordinary difficulty. For the mo- 

 ment, let us be satisfied with what we can 

 learn from probability and the vivarium. 



The two sexes dwell apart. Both are ex- 

 tremely domestic in their habits. Whose 

 business is it to make a move? Does the 

 caller go in search of the called? Does the 

 serenaded one come to the serenader? If, 

 at pairing-time, sound were the sole guide 

 where homes are far apart, it would be 

 necessary for the silent partner to go to the 

 noisy one's trysting-place. But I imagine 

 that, in order to save appearances — and this 

 accords with what I learn from my prisoners 

 — the Cricket has special faculties that guide 

 him towards his mute lady-love. 



When and how is the meeting effected? I 

 suspect that things take place in the friendly 



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