CENTIPEDS COCKROACHES FIRE- ANTS. 553 



and snapping their jaws with an expression of fiercest rage 

 and defiance. 



The above account will give some idea of the vast numbers 

 and varieties of the termites and ants of this region, and of 

 the wonderful way in which Providence has furnished them 

 with the means of sustaining existence, and taking their part 

 in the economy of nature. Science is deeply indebted to 

 Mr. Bates, for his persevering efforts and acute observation 

 in makino- known the varieties and habits of these curious 

 insects. 



CEXTIPEDS COCKROACHES FIRE-ANTS. 



Although the rest of the animal creation is small compared 

 with the creatures of the Eastern world, insects and reptiles 

 attain a size which will vie with those of any portion of the 

 globe. Here we have a centiped nearly a foot in length, 

 with innumerable legs, and two horns or feelers, which it pro- 

 trudes Avith the most venomous expression. These animals 

 are not only hideous to look on, but their bite is very pain- 

 ful, though not dangerous. 



Cockroaches swarm everywhere ; but the lire-ant is, for its 

 size, probably the most terrible of created beings. Its bite 

 produces the most acute j)ain ; and where they swarm, on the 

 dry sandy shores of the streams, they frequently compel the 

 natives to desert their villages. Mrs. Agassiz mentions hav- 

 ing on one occasion hung some towels to dry on the cord of 

 her hammock, and was about to remove them, when suddenly 

 her hand and arm seemed plunged into fire. She dropped 

 the towels as if they were hot coals, which for the moment 

 they literally seemed to be. She then saw that her arm was 

 covered with little brown ants. A native brushed them off 

 in all haste ; and an army of them was found passing over 



