HO HEMIPTERA. 
membrane, which they throw off at their 
last change. 
Lucy. Then the young grasshoppers 
do not pass through the grub or worm 
state ? 
Mother. No, they resemble the perfect 
insect, in shape ; but are not possessed 
either of wings or elytra. About August 
they retire under ground, and are no 
longer seen or heard. In all the stages 
of their life they are harmless creatures, 
living chiefly upon grass and herbs, which 
they eat while wet with dew ; but the 
gryllus domesticus, or house cricket y is not 
so easily satisfied. 
Lucy, I have heard that house crickets 
eat bread. 
Mother, Yes : they eat and drink 
almost every thmg that is commonly left 
about a kitchen ; of greasy water they 
are particularly fond; of leather also ; and 
if any wet woollen cloths be left within 
their reach, they will make great havoc 
in them before morning. 
LuQy, Young crickets, I suppose, like 
