INSECTA—GRASSHOPPER. 83 
bunches, that seem to deform the sides of the animal; there they he rolled 
up in a most curious manner, and occupying a smaller space than one could 
conceive. Indeed, all insects, whatever transmutations they seem to un- 
dergo, are yet brought forth with those very limbs, parts, and wings, which 
tney aiterwards seem to acquire. In the most helpless caterpillar, there are' 
still to be seen the rudiments of that beautiful plumage which it afterwards 
expands when a butterfly; and though many new parts seem unfolded to 
the view, the animal acquires none but such as it was from the beginning 
possessed of. 
The grasshopper, that for above twenty days from its exclusion, has con- 
tinued without the use of its wings, which were folded up to its body, at 
length prepares for its emancipation, and fora life of greater lthertv, and 
pleasure. To make the proper dispositions for the approaching cnange, it 
ceases from its grassy food, and seeks about for a convenient place, neneath 
some thogn or thistle, that may protect it from an accidental snower. The 
same laborious writhings and workings, heavings and palpitations, which 
we have remarked in every other insect upon an approaching change, are 
exhibited in this. 
At length, the skin covering the head and breast is seen dividing above the 
neck; the head is seen issuing out first from the bursting skin; the efforts 
still continuing, the other parts follow successively ; so that the little animal 
with its long feelers, legs and all, works its way from the old skin, that re- 
mains fixed to the thistle or the thorn. It is, indeed, -.inconceiveable how 
the insect thus extricates itself from so exact a sheath as that which covered 
every part of its body. 
The grasshopper, thus disengaged from its outer skin, appears in its per- 
fect form; but then so feeble, and its body so soft and tender, that it may be 
moulded like wax. It is no longer of that obscure color which it exhibited 
before, but a greenish white, which becomes more vivid as the moisture on 
the surface is dried away. Still, however, the animal continues to show no 
signs ef life, but appears quite spent and fatigued with its labor for more 
than an hour together. During this time, the body is drying, and the wings 
unfolding to their greatest expansion; and the curious observer wili perceive 
them, fold after fold, opening to the sun, till at last they become longer than 
the two hinder legs. The insect’s body also is lengthened during this ope- 
ration, and it becomes much mor? beautiful than before. 
