Linda Coueh, age 11 of Vinita, Oklahoma, for her question:

How does a cricket sing?

It is Mr. Cricket who does the singing. And that cheerful chirping song is for his wife However Mr. Cricket’s so‑called voice comes from his wing cases and Mrs. Cricketts so‑called ears are in her front feet.

The cricket has a pair of little wings too weak for flying. Over them is a pair of hard, sturdy wing cases. The edges of these wing cases are fagged, like little saws. When Mr. Cricket rubs them together the vibrations make his song. In cool damp weather his note is low and sad. On a warm, dry summer evening, his song is high and cheerful.

When you hear the happy cricket song, you can be sure that Mr. Cricket stands hidden in grass, rubbing his rough wing cases together. He is singing to his lady love. And somewhere, he hopes, she stands listening to him with ears of all places on her front legs.