This insect also has ears, but they are not easy to find unless they are pointed out to us. If we examine a grasshopper we shall see that its body is divided into three parts: a head, a solid portion from which the wings and legs arise, the thorax and a portion (the abdomen) made up of a number of rings or segments. On the sides of the first of these rings, counting from the forward end, we shall find small depressions covered with membrane, these are the ears. It is curious that although many of the grasshoppers cannot give out a note, so far as human ears can detect, they nearly all have ears; maybe there is a grasshopper song which only grasshoppers can hear. Very many other insects have sound organs, but they are nearly all constructed on the same plan. It may seem surprising that sounds can be produced by these simple means. Sound is really caused by waves in the air and these insect vocal organs set up rapid sound waves, by their vibration. The microscopist should never be at a loss for objects derived from the insect world: it is impossible to walk without treading upon some six legged wayfarer. The wing cases of beetles are often of rare beauty, some on account of their sculpturing, some because of a mantle of scales. In our greenhouse and garden we can find mealy bugs, curious little powdered insects which do an enormous amount of damage. The fringe wings, or Thrips, are common and destructive; examine their curious feet and their beautifully fringed wings, the sight will repay you. And lastly, if you number an insect enthusiast amongst your friends, enlist his aid in gathering objects for your microscope. CHAPTER XV THE MICROSCOPE BY THE SEASIDE--ANIMAL LIFE It is always surprising that the majority of microscopists never dream of examining any of the hundreds of beautiful objects which can be found by the seaside, in the course of an afternoon’s ramble. That every pond will contain ample material for study, the microscopist knows instinctively; insect life and plant life also he studies, but the microscope is generally left at home when a visit is paid to the seaside. A rocky coast is better than a sandy one, for rock pools yield many objects, and the warmer southern waters of our coasts are better than the colder northern seas, but the microscopist who finds himself on a northern sandy coast need not despair, if he search diligently he will find material enough to occupy him for many a day.