MANTID^ — SOOTHSAYERS, ETC. 85 



Kolben, in another place, describes the Mantis under the 

 name of the Gold-beetle, saying that its head and wings are 

 of a gold color, the back green, etc., as above.^ 



Mr. Kolben, again speaking of this singular reverence, 

 remarks that the Hottentots will run every hazard to secure 

 the safety of this fortunate insect, and are cautious to the 

 last degree of giving it the slightest annoyance, and relates 

 the following anecdote : 



" A German, who had a country-seat about six miles from 

 the fort, having given leave to some Hottentots to turn their 

 cattle for awhile upon his land there, they removed to the 

 place with their kraal. A son of this German, a brisk 

 young fellow, was amusing himself in the kraal, when the 

 deified insect appeared. The Hottentots, upon sight, ran 

 tumultuously to adore it ; while the young fellow tried to 

 catch it, in order to see the effect such capture would pro- 

 duce among them. But how great was the general cry and 

 agony when they saw it in his hands ! They stared with 

 distraction in their eyes at him, and at one another. ' See, 

 see, see,' said they. 'Ah I what is he going to do? Will 

 he kill it ? will he kill it V Every limb of them shaking 

 through apprehensions for its fate. * Why,' said the young 

 fellow, who very well understood them, 'do you make such 

 a hideous noise ? and why such agonies for this paltry ani- 

 mal ?' 'Ah! sir,' they replied, with the utmost concern, 

 "tis a divinity. 'Tis come from heaven; 'tis come on a 

 good design. Ah ! do not hurt it — do not offend it. We 

 are the most miserable wretches upon earth if you do. This 

 ground will be under a curse, and the crime will never be 

 forgiven.' This was not enough for the young German. 

 He had a mind to carry the experiment a little farther. He 

 seemed not, therefore, to be moved with their petitions and 

 remonstrances ; but made as if he intended to maim or de- 

 stroy it. On this appearance of cruelty they started, and 

 ran to and again like people frantic; asked him, where and 

 what his conscience was ? and how he durst think of per- 

 petrating a crime, which would bring upon his head all the 

 curses and thunders of heaven. But this not prevailing, 

 they fell all prostrate on the ground before the young fel- 

 low, and with streaming eyes and the loudest cries, besought 



1 Astley's Col. of Voy. and Trav., ill. 381. 



