DISAGREEABLE WALTZERS. 11/5 



lining of it. Loose from its moorings, steadily the 

 balloon ascends through the water with its living 

 freight. On reaching the surface, the fly breaks 

 through its slender walls, spreads its wings, and 

 with a hum of delight, away goes Brulot to revel 

 in the sunshine amidst the leaves and flowers. I 

 may as well describe this day's journey, the 

 misery of which I shall never forget. 



Flowers in wild profusion peep up in myriads 

 from among the green bunch-grass ; the birds are 

 busy in every tree and bush some building nests, 

 others feeding their little ones. The air, heavily 

 laden with perfume, seems too idle to move ; and 

 the great striped humble-bees, as they tumble 

 from flower to flower, buzz a drowsy song of 

 satisfaction. Very enjoyable but for the clouds of 

 sand-flies that the mules and horses composing 

 our pack-train stir up from the grass at every step, 

 and, as if the flies have been accustomed to regale 

 themselves daily on the blood of man and beast, 

 at once cover the animals so thickly that they look 

 almost black. Kicking, plunging, and even rolling 

 on the grass avails not, to rid the tortured beasts 

 from their assailants. Unlike the bite of a mos- 

 quito, that left only an irritable lump, blood 

 flows from every puncture made by the terrible 

 lancets. They waltz round my head like a 



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