110 THE TETTIX. 



fore, with a microscope, the foot of the cricket, to 

 ascertain if in this respect there was any difference 

 in structure, I found it perfectly smooth, and ter- 

 minating in a double hook ; but that of the grass- 

 hopper was not only furnished with a hook, but 

 likewise with three cushions or suckers. This form- 

 ation enables us to explain how it takes hold of the 

 stems of grass when it springs, and also how its 

 hold is retained. In such a situation, it has attracted 

 the eye of the poet already quoted, and been thus 

 described : — 



" The grasshopper sits idle on the stalk 

 With folded pinions, and forgets to sing." 



Before quitting this part of my subject, I may 

 mention, that the insect so celebrated by the Grecian 

 bards, under the name Tettix, is not a grasshopper, 

 as the word is commonly translated, but belongs to a 

 totally different order (Homoptera) . With the pecu- 

 liar covering in which one insect of this order is at a 

 certain period enveloped, you are doubtless familiar. 

 I allude to the little frothy appearance so frequently 

 seen on plants during the summer months, and 

 known by the common appellation of cuckoo-spit. It 

 is an exudation proceeding from the larva of Tettigonia 

 spumaria, which by this contrivance obtains, at the 

 same time, concealment from its various enemies, and 

 protection from the vicissitudes of weather. 



