DISAGREEABLE WALTZERS. 115 
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 Brilot 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 
12 
