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 _Ãgypt_, _Exodus_ 10. the word á¼ÎºÏÎ¹Ï 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 _Ãtius_ 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.