114 LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 



In Southern Africa, in the year 1797, the 

 ground, for the space of nearly two thousand 

 square miles, was covered by these insects, 

 which destroyed every leaf and blade of grass 

 in the neighborhood. A strong wind at length 

 drove them into the sea, and when washed upon 

 the shore, they formed a heap of from three to 

 four feet in height, for fifty miles in extent; 

 and when this enormous mass decayed, it taint- 

 ed the air to the distance of one hundred and 

 fifty miles. 



It is said, that the governor of one of the 

 provinces of Africa, once sent out four thousand 

 of his soldiers to destroy the locusts. 



Rene. That seems odd enough; but still, 

 I think it was better employment than killing 

 their fellow beings. 



jJunt M. Far better, and far less degrading. 



Many interesting accounts of locusts are given 



by persons who have travelled in the countries 



where they are found ; a few of which I will 



mention. 



Dr. Clark says that a swarm of locusts alight- 

 ing in the road over which he was travelling, 

 completely covered his horses and carriage, and 



