_Coxa_ first, and then _trochanter_,
Number three the _femur_ stands,
After this, the long, straight _tibia_,
And last of all the _tarsus_ comes.
Now let us see who can learn it first.
Charlie says we are taking a good deal of trouble over the hind legs of
a grasshopper.
[Illustration]
Very true, Mr. Philosopher, but let me tell you something.
When we have learned the names of the segments in the grasshopper's hind
leg, we have learned the names of the segments in the legs of all
insects.
You see all the legs are made on one common plan, and it is very
convenient, as you will soon see, to have the parts named.
What a fine set of drawings of the grasshopper's hind leg we have!
Why do you suppose the coxa and trochanter are so small?
Yes, John, it is in order that the leg can move easily.
The grasshopper can turn its leg in almost any direction because of
these small upper segments.
It can put its leg up over its head if it wants to. Next to the little
coxa and trochanter is the longest and largest segment in the
grasshopper's leg; I suppose nobody remembers its name.