ORTHOPTERA. 
207 
have just been treating, most authors agree in placing 
the important one above named. This position, in 
the series of ordinal groups, it has obtained in con- 
sequence of presenting many properties in common 
with the coleoptera ; some of the older entomologists, 
indeed, regarded them as so closely allied, as not to 
admit of separation. But this opinion could only 
result from an imperfect acquaintance with their re- 
spective characters ; for in the present instance, the 
peculiarities are sufficiently distinctive and important, 
fully to entitle this order to the rank which it now 
holds. 
The name having been applied in conformity with 
what has been called the Alary system in entomology, 
has reference to the nature and peculiarities of the 
organs of flight. These are found to be folded longi- 
tudinally when at rest, and ogdog straight , tfrzgct wings, 
affords a term indicating this disposition. As in the 
preceding order, the wings are four in number. The 
anterior pair are of a pretty stiff substance, resembling 
parchment, serving both for the purpose of protecting 
the inferior wings, and also assisting in flight. In the 
former respect, they perform the same service as 
elytra, but in the latter share in a function to which 
elytra cannot be said to be directly subservient. In- 
stead, therefore, of having that name applied to them, 
as is often done, it is better that they should have a 
distinctive appellation of their own; and of the various 
terms that have been used, tegmina seems the most 
appropriate. In far the greater number of instances, 
they do not form a straight line along the back, where 
