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The Descent of Man

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unmusical even to the human ear, so that the<br />

Indians on the Amazons keep them in wicker<br />

cages. All observers agree that the sounds serve<br />

either to call or excite the mute females. With<br />

respect to the migratory locusts <strong>of</strong> Russia, Korte<br />

has given (28. I state this on the authority <strong>of</strong><br />

Koppen, 'Uber die Heuschrecken in Sudrussland,'<br />

1866, p. 32, for I have in vain endeavoured<br />

to procure Korte's work.) an interesting<br />

case <strong>of</strong> selection by the female <strong>of</strong> a male. <strong>The</strong><br />

males <strong>of</strong> this species (Pachytylus migratorius)<br />

whilst coupled with the female stridulate from<br />

anger or jealousy, if approached by other males.<br />

<strong>The</strong> house-cricket when surprised at night<br />

uses its voice to warn its fellows. (29. Gilbert<br />

White, 'Natural History <strong>of</strong> Selborne,' vol. ii.<br />

1825, p. 262.) In North America the Katy-did<br />

(Platyphyllum concavum, one <strong>of</strong> the Locustidae)<br />

is described (30. Harris, 'Insects <strong>of</strong> New<br />

England,' 1842, p. 128.) as mounting on the upper<br />

branches <strong>of</strong> a tree, and in the evening beginning<br />

"his noisy babble, while rival notes

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