of North Carolina. 157 



Children, dimness of Sight, French Pox, and many other 

 stubborn and lingring Disorders. 



The Fire-fiy. (I would not have the Readers be mistaken, 

 and take these Insects for the Fyrales or Fire-flies that are 

 represented by Pliny in his Natural History, as bred and liv- 

 ing in the Fire). These live in the open Air, and are so called, 

 from their appearing at Xight like so many shining Sparks 

 of Fire. They are as long as the Drones amongst the Bees, 

 but much thicker, and are of a brownish colour. Their Light 

 is under their Wings, which appears frightful to Strangers 

 at first sight, although they have no manner of harm in them. 

 I have frequently taken them and broke off their Wings, 

 that they could not fly away, and placed them on a Book in a 

 dark Room, and whatever way they went, I could plainly see 

 and distinguish each Letter. They appear in May, and re- 

 main most part of the Summer, and are at sometimes in such 

 plenty, that the Woods seem to be altogether Sparks of Fire ; 

 they are never to be seen in the Day, but fly all the !N^ight. 

 What Virtues they may be indued with, are uncertain ; for I 

 never knew any use made of them in this Country. 

 \ The Crickets are winged Insects like the Locusts, or Grass- 

 hoppers, and are plentifully to be met with in this Province. 

 They seldom frequent the dwelling Houses as those with us 

 in Ireland do, but are often heard and seen in the Woods and 

 Corn-fields (especially in the Summer) where they Sing 

 almost continually, in Winter they approach near the Houses 

 and other warm places, they are very mischievous, for they 

 frequently cut large holes in Linnen and Woollen, and are 

 j likewise gTeat devourers of Corn and all kinds of gi'ain. The 

 Powder of them is said to provoke Urine, and strengthen the 



Sight, 



