THE GI! ASSIIOPPEH. 
291 
which they afterward seem to acquire. In the most help- 
jess 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 ex- 
clusion has continued without the use of its wirnxs which 
were folded up to its body, at length prepares for Us eman- 
cipation, and for a life of greater liberty and pleasure. To 
make the proper dispositions for the approaching change it 
ceases from its grassy food, and seeks about for a^convenient 
place, beneatli some thorn or thistle, that may protect it 
from an accidental shower. The same laborious writhings 
and workings, heavings and palpita'ions, which we have 
remarked in every other insect upon an approaching change 
are exhibited in this. ° ° 7 
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 ; die efforts still continuing, the other 
parts follow successively ; so that the little animal with its 
long feelers, legs and all, works its wav from the old skin 
that remains fixed to the thistle or the thorn. It is indeed’ 
inconceivable 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, ap- 
pears in its perfect form ; but then so feeble, audits body so 
soft and tender, that it may be moulded like wax. It is no 
longer of that obscure colour which it exhibited before, but 
of a greenish white, which becomes more vivid as (he moisture 
on the surface is dried away. Still, however, the animal con- 
tinues to shew no signs of life, but appears quite spent and 
fatigued with its labour for more than an hour together. 
During this time, the body is drying, and the wings mifold- 
tng to their greatest expansion : and the curious observer 
"'ill 'p erceive 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 operation and 
J t becomes much more beautiful than before. 
These insects are generally vocal in the midst of sumrnei ; 
and they are heard at sun-setting much louder than durim* 
the heats of the day. They feed upon grass; and, if then- 
belly be pressed, they will be seen to return the juices of the 
plants they have last fed upon. Though unwilling to fly, and 
s |ow in flight, particularly when the weather is moist or cool, 
they are sometimes seen to fly to considerable distances. It' 
they are caught by one of the hinder legs, they quickly 
