INSECT LIFE. 399 



The wind now began to fail, so the oars were 

 again got out, and we pulled until our lengthened 

 shadows showed us that the sun was getting low. 

 The grapnels were now thrown out, and the boat 

 securely moored fore and aft some little distance 

 from the shore, so as to be safe from any wild beast 

 that might be prowling about during the night. 

 The stanchions were fixed, and the tent rigged, so 

 that we were amply protected against the heavy 

 night-dew or rain ; the lanterns were lighted, arms 

 looked to, and placed handy for use ; and after a 

 smoke, and a glass of grog all round, a double 

 watch was set, to be relieved every two hours ; and 

 although rather cramped for space, we should have 

 passed the night very comfortably, had it not been 

 for the unwearied attacks of mosquitoes and sand- 

 flies. Notwithstanding I was tolerably protected 

 from any direct assault by muslin curtains, their 

 continual buzzing, combined with the nocturnal 

 orgies of innumerable frogs and crickets, kept me 

 awake for some hours. A heavy dew fell during 

 the night, and I was very glad I had taken the 

 precaution of making an impervious tent over 



