)70 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Cause of its chirping. 



most timorous animal in nature; but the chim- 

 ney-cricket, being used to noises, disregards 

 them. 



The noise that produces the chirping (as it 

 is called) is a membrane, which, in contracting 

 by means of a muscle and tendon, placed under 

 the wings of the insect, folds down somewhat 

 like a fan. This, as it is always dry, yields that 

 sharp piercing sound that we so often hear from 

 these animals. The noise may also be heard 

 after the insect is dead, if the tendon be made to 

 move. Indeed it is said that crickets will live, 

 and continue their accustomed noise after their 

 heads are cut off. 



As the cricket lives chiefly in the dark, so its 

 eyes seem formed for the gloominess of its abode; 

 and those who would surprise it, have only to 

 light a candle unexpectedly; by which it is daz- 

 zled, gives two or three shrill notes, and cannot 

 find the way back to its retreat. These shrill 

 notes seem to be a signal to their fellows that 

 they may flee to their crannies and lurking holes 

 to avoid danger. 



The cricket is a very voracious little animal, 

 and will eat bread, flour, and meat; but is parti- 

 cularly fond of sugar. They never cease chirp- 

 ing but when affected by cold. They never 

 drink, but keep for months together at the back 

 of the chimney. Yet the Rev. Mr. White says, 

 " One would suppose from the burning atmos- 

 phere which they inhabit, they are a thirsty race, 



