2"]6 THE HOUSE CRICKET. 



and bakehouses, as affording them a constant 

 warmth. 



<c Tender insects that live abroad (says Mr. 

 White) 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 what the 

 heats of the dog-days are to others. — Though 

 they are frequently heard by day, yet their natural 

 time of motion is only in the night. As soon as it 

 becomes dusk, the chirping increases, and they 

 come running forth, and are to be seen often in 

 great numbers from the size of a flea to that o£ 

 their full stature. 



Around in sympathetic mirth 



Its tricks the kitten tries, 

 The Cricket chirrups in the hearth, 



The 1 crackling faggot flies. 



" As one would suppose from the burning atmos- 

 phere which they inhabit, they are a thirsty race, 

 and show a great propensity for liquids, being found 

 frequently drowned in pans of water, milk, broth, 

 or the like. Whatever is moist they are fond of, 

 and therefore often gnaw holes in wet woollen 

 stockings and aprons that are hung to the fire. 

 These Crickets are not only very thirsty but very 

 voracious ; for they will eat the scummings of pots, 

 yeast, salt, and crumbs of bread ; and any kitchen 

 o^al or sweepings. 



" In the summer they have been observed to fly, 



