272 LOCUSTS. 



tones." In order to destroy them, the natives dig long 

 trenches, into which they are driven, when, unable to leap 

 out, they are easily buried and destroyed. Still, vast num- 

 bers escape, when they appear in enormous columns, dark- 

 ening the air, and as they sweep onwards, destroy every green 

 thing in their course. They cover the ground on every side, 

 then rising in clouds, fill the atmosphere with their multi- 

 tudes, causing the trees to appear brown, as if seared by 

 fire. Frequently, as their hosts sweep onwards, they are 

 seen falling like flakes in a snow-storm from a dark cloud. 

 Every device that the farmer can think of is employed to 

 prevent their settling : sulphur is burned, drums beaten, guns 

 fired, and other noises made. Often, by such means, a plan- 

 tation is preserved from destruction ; but when the columns 

 once alight, no device avails to save the plantation from 

 speedy desolation. 



This locust or grasshopper is generally from two and a half 

 to four inches in length, but specimens sometimes appear five 

 inches long ; and it may be conceived what an enormous 

 amount of food such monsters must consume. 



