1849.] 199 



made of another species of South American Formicidae, but doubted by some " in- 

 door '' naturalist or compiler. 



The seasons in West Africa are divided into "wet" and " dry," each making 

 up about half of the year. During the former, violent and continued rains often 

 occur, which, either directly, or from the rapid rise of the rivers, cause an over- 

 flow of the low grounds. As the Drivers delight in rather low situations, usually 

 little above the base of hills, they are often exposed to inundations. In such 

 emergency, they leave their domicils, throw themselves into a rounded mass, de- 

 posit their eggs, &c. in the centre, and thus float on the water, till a place of 

 safety is reached, or the flood subsides. Even in situations beyond this overflow, 

 so copious and incessant are the rains at times, that they must be deluged for 

 days in their nests. Under such circumstances, one would suppose that they 

 would perish. Many undoubtedly do, for all communities of animal existences 

 are exposed to casualties. But in this case, as throughout the kingdom of nature, 

 God has most graciously established a system of compensation, illustrating at 

 once the minuteness of his Providence and his benevolence. As he has endowed 

 this insect with a high degree of vitality, so has he given to it great tenacity of 

 life and powers of endurance. 



Individuals submerged in water have lived more than 21 hours ; and when de- 

 capitated, 48 hours ! The head separated from the body, will bite for several 

 hours after, apparently with as much force as when in all its natural connections. 



They are decidedly aggressive in their habits. The dread of them rests upon 

 every living thing. It is a statement literally true, that "they drive everything 

 before them, capable of motion." Their entrance into dwellings is known by the 

 simultaneous movement of rats, mice, lizards, roaches, &c. &c. with which they 

 may be infested. Even man, styled ^^ Loid of creation," bows to this, a more 

 numerous foe; for, let the Drivers enter one door and he quickly escapes at the 

 other. 



So intense is the bite by accumulation, that the largest animal, if confined, is 

 overpowered and destroyed. The dread with which all animals are inspired, of 

 this diminutive creature, may be inferred from the statement universally made 

 by the natives on the coast, respecting their largest serpent, the Python natalen- 

 sis. After disabling its prey by the fearful process of constriction, the Python, 

 it is said, makes a wide sweep in the vicinity, to see if the Drivers are near ; 

 should they not be, he returns to the work of engorgement, but if near, he aban- 

 dons his prey to their more numerous jaws. 



Donkeys, on coming to them, crossing the road, will suddenly turn, and throw 

 their rider to one side, and if urged onward will give a leap far over the line. 



Dogs, rather than run the risk of a leap, will compass their track by going a 

 long distance round. 



The smaller snakes, lizards, &c., are disabled very soon after the attack. 

 This easy victory seems to be accomplished by an early destruction of vision. 

 The mandibles of the Drivers being long and sharp pointed, penetrate with great 

 ease the membranes of the eye. Domestic animals being generally confined at 

 night, are often destroyed by them. 



When they enter a dwelling their movements are characterized with a good 

 degree of order. If they discover prey, they congregate upon it in vast numbers, 

 when they may be easily destroyed by boiling water. 



Their ascent into beds may be prevented by putting the feet of the bedsteads 

 into vessels of vinegar, or some other uncongenial fluid. This will be successful 



