LETTER XLVII. 



To the same. 



EAR SIR, 



SELBORNE. 



" Far from all resort of mirth 

 Save the cricket on the hearth" 



MILTON'S // Pensfroso. 



While many other insects must be sought after 

 in fields and woods, and waters, the gryllus domes- 

 ticus, or house-cricket, resides altogether within our dwellings, in- 

 truding itself upon our notice whether we will or no. This species 

 delights in new-built houses, being, like the spider, pleased with 

 the moisture of the walls ; and besides, the softness of the mortar 

 enables them to burrow and mine between the joints of the bricks 

 or stones, and to open communications from one room to another. 

 They are particularly fond of kitchens and bakers' ovens, on account 

 of their perpetual warmth. 



Tender insects that live abroad either enjoy only the short period 

 of one summer, or else doze away the cold uncomfortable months in 

 profound slumbers ; but these, residing as it were in a torrid zone> 

 are always alert and merry, a good Christmas fire is to them like 

 the heats of the dog-days. Though they are frequently heard by 

 day, yet is their natural time of motion only in the night. As soon 

 as it grows dusk, the chirping increases, and they come running forth, 

 and are from the size of a flea to that of their full stature. As one 



