It is only torturing the meaning of a word to suppose that Saint John ate the locust fruit, and not the insect.

I am decidedly of opinion that the latter is meant in Scripture; and what makes me think so is, that these two kinds of food, `locusts and wild honey,' are often coupled together, as forming at the present time the subsistence of many tribes who are denizens of the desert.

Besides, we have good evidence that both were used as food by desert-dwelling people in the days of Scripture.

It is, therefore, but natural to suppose that Saint John, when in the desert, was forced to partake of this food; just as many a traveller of modern times has eaten of it when crossing the deserts that surround us here in South Africa.
"I have read a great many books about locusts," continued Hans; "and now that the Bible has been mentioned, I must say for my part, I know no account given of these insects so truthful and beautiful as that in the Bible itself.

Shall I read it, papa ?" "By all means, my boy," said the field-cornet, rather pleased at the request which his son had made, and at the tenor of the conversation.
Little Truey ran into the inner room and brought out an immense volume bound in gemsbok skin, with a couple of strong brass clasps upon it to keep it closed.