220 INSTRUMENT OF GRASSHOPPER. 



large green field cricket* this drum is describedf as a round 

 plate of transparent membrane tensely stretched, and sur- 

 rounded by a prominent edge, or nervure. The instrument is 

 to be found in that part of the right wing-case which is folded 

 horizontally over the trunk, and is concealed under the left, 

 in which also there is a strong circular nervure corresponding 

 to the hoop of the drum beneath. The quick motion with 

 which these nervures are rubbed together producing a vibra- 

 tion in the membrane, is supposed to augment the sound. 



What we call familiarly the singing or chirping of grass- 

 hoppers and locusts, is outwardly produced by application of 

 the hind shank to the thigh, rubbing it smartly against the 

 wing-cases, and alternating the right and left legs ; but these, 

 as well as the cicada and the cricket, are provided with their 

 "petits tambours," membrane-covered drums, or cavities of 

 somewhat varied construction, to augment the sound of ex- 

 terior origin. 



Be it here observed, that the above-named professors of the 

 "joyeuse science" the cicada lyre-players the crickets of 

 our field and household bands the roving grasshopper trou- 

 badours, are all, like the feathered minstrels of grove and 

 garden, of the masculine sex ; each doubtless playing his 

 mid-day sonata, or evening serenade, with intent mainly to 

 tickle the ear and fancy of his listening lfrly. 



On the muteness of the latter was founded^a sly joke on 



* Acrida mridissima. (Vignette.) t By De Geer. 



