1 SEPTEMBER 1923, Page 13

CRICKETS AND ASCENSION DAY.

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Can any of your readers give me the origin of the inhabitants of Florence going out early on Ascension Day to catch crickets (Italian " grille ") ? They keep the crickets in small cages, and their luck for the year depends on the length of life of the unfortunate insects. Many people know of the practice but not of the origin or significance.—I am, Sir, &c., PRISCILLA A. MY.

St. Anne's Vicarage, Eastbourne.