14 



Marvels of the Universe 



feature is the wing which, when opened, reveals wonderful tints. Especialh- noticeable in this 

 respect is the Flying Grasshopper shown in the coloured plate. The Natal Grasshopper is also a 

 resplendent species, with bright green wings veined with yello\\% purple thighs and reddish legs. 

 .\mong the most peculiar forms are the Indian hooded species and the Proboscis Grasshopper of 

 East .\frica. The snout of this creature is prolonged to a great length and tilted upwards. Botli 

 of these examples are shown in the coloured plate. 



A NATURAL CASE OF LOCK-JAW! 



BY W. P. PYCR.-\FT 



It has been contended that a common cause of e.xtinction among animals is the e.vcessive develop- 

 ment of some one or other of their structural peculiarities. The '' Irisli Elk " is cited as a casein 



LOCK-JAW! 



The excessive development of some structural peculiarity has resulted in the extinction of many species: and it is likely 

 that Layard's beaked whale will in time be exterminated owing to its inability to obtain sufficient nourishment. The cause is 

 the gro\vth of the two teeth of the lower jaw. which curve over the upper and effectually close the mouth. 



point, when, by the enormous development of the antlers, the weight became so great that the 

 bearer became at last so hampered as to be unable to escape its enemies. The sabre-toothed tiger 

 is made to afford another instance. In this animal, as everybody knows, the upper fangs were 

 of enormous length, so that, even though changes in the nature of the hinges of the lower jaw allowed 

 the mouth to be opened to an abnormal degree, the animal was so handicapped in securing its 

 prey that ultimately the race became extinct. Layard's beaked whale, an exceedingly rare South 

 African cetacean, affords an exactly contrary illustration to that of the sabre-toothed tiger. Herein 

 all the teeth save two in the middle of the lower jaw have been lost. These two have a curious 

 strap-hke form, and curving upwards and inwards, arch over and meet above the upper jaw so as 

 to effectually draw the jaws together, allowing, at most, the opening of a mere slit for the intake 

 of food, which must therefore consist of extremely small Crustacea and molluscs sucked into the 

 mouth, perhaps by the action of the tongue. No other animal now living, or in times past, ever 



