Of the Picture of a Grashopper.
There is also among us a common description and picture of a Grashopper,
as may be observed in the pictures of Emblematists, in the coats of
several families, and as the word _Cicada_ is usually translated in
Dictionaries. Wherein to speak strictly, if by this word Grashopper, we
understand that animal which is implied by τέττιξ with the
_Greeks_, and by _Cicada_ with the _Latines_; we may with safety affirm
the picture is widely mistaken, and that for ought enquiry can inform,
there is no such insect in _England_. Which how paradoxical soever, upon
a strict enquiry, will prove undeniable truth.
For first, That animal which the _French_ term _Sauterelle_, we a
Grashopper, and which under this name is commonly described by us, is
named Ἄκρις by the _Greeks_, by the _Latines Locusta_, and by our
selves in proper speech a Locust; as in the diet of John _Baptist_, and
in our Translation [SN: Prov. 30.], the _Locusts_ have no King, yet go
they forth all of them by bands. Again, Between the _Cicada_ and that we
call a Grashopper, the differences are very many, as may be observed in
themselves, or their descriptions in _Matthiolus_, _Aldrovandus_ and
_Muffetus_. For first, They are differently cucullated or capuched upon
the head and back, and in the _Cicada_ the eyes are more prominent: the
Locusts have _Antennæ_: or long horns before, with a long falcation or
forcipated tail behind; and being ordained for saltation, their hinder
legs do far exceed the other. The Locust or our Grashopper hath teeth,
the _Cicada_ none at all; nor any mouth according unto _Aristotle_: the
_Cicada_ is most upon trees; and lastly, the fritinnitus or proper note
thereof, is far more shril than that of the Locust; and its life so
short in Summer, that for provision it needs not have recourse unto the
providence of the Pismire in Winter.
And therefore where the _Cicada_ must be understood, the pictures of
Heralds and Emblematists are not exact, nor is it safe to adhere unto
the interpretation of Dictionaries; and we must with candour make out
our own Translations: for in the Plague of _Ægypt_, _Exodus_ 10. the
word Ἄκρις is translated a Locust, but in the same sense and subject,
_Wisdom_ 16. it is translated a Grashopper; For them the bitings of
Grashoppers and flies killed: whereas we have declared before, the
_Cicada_ hath no teeth, but is conceived to live upon dew; and the
possibility of its subsistence is disputed by _Licetus_. Hereof I
perceive _Muffetus_ hath taken notice, dissenting from _Langius_ and
_Lycostenes_, while they deliver, the _Cicada's_ destroyed the fruits in
_Germany_, where that insect is not found; and therefore concludeth,
_Tam ipsos quam alios deceptos fuisse autumo, dum locustas cicadas esse
vulgari errore crederent._
And hereby there may be some mistake in the due dispensation of
Medicines desumed from this animal; particularly of Diatettigon
commended by _Ætius_ in the affections of the kidnies. It must be
likewise understood with some restriction what hath been affirmed by
_Isidore_, and yet delivered by many, that Cicades are bred out of
Cuccow spittle or Woodsear; that is, that spumous, frothy dew or
exudation, or both, found upon Plants, especially about the joints of
Lavender and Rosemary, observable with us about the latter end of May.
For here the true _Cicada_ is not bred, but certain it is, that out of
this, some kind of Locust doth proceed; for herein may be discovered a
little insect of a festucine or pale green, resembling in all parts a
Locust, or what we call a Grashopper.
Lastly, The word it self is improper, and the term of Grashopper not
appliable unto the _Cicada_; for therein the organs of motion are not
contrived for saltation, nor are the hinder legs of such extension, as
is observable in salient animals, and such as move by leaping. Whereto
the Locust is very well conformed; for therein the legs behind are
longer than all the body, and make at the second joynt acute angles, at
a considerable advancement above their backs.
The mistake therefore with us might have its original from a defect in
our language; for having not the insect with us, we have not fallen upon
its proper name, and so make use of a term common unto it and the
Locust; whereas other countries have proper expressions for it. So the
_Italian_ calls it _Cicada_, the _Spaniard Cigarra_, and the _French
Cigale_; all which appellations conform unto the original, and properly
express this animal. Whereas our word is borrowed from the Saxon
Gærsthopp, which our forefathers, who never beheld the _Cicada_, used
for that insect which we yet call a Grashopper.