THE WORLD'S WOXDERS. 373 



abode of the white ants, they march in a column of three or four 

 abreast, like soldiers, and are led by several officers, who are 

 larger than the rest and direct their movements, but never carry 

 loads. As they approach the homes of their victims, the latter 

 may be observed rushing about in the greatest alarm. The black 

 leaders seize the white ants one by one, and inflict a sting, which 

 seems to inject a portion of fluid similar in effect to chloroform, 

 as it renders them insensible, but not dead, and only able to move 

 one or two front legs. As the leaders toss them on one side, the 

 rank and file seize them and carry them off. 



The natives of nearly all parts of Africa are exceedingly fond 

 of white ants as a dish. On one occasion, while camping on the 

 banks of the Zouga, Livingstone was visited by a chief, and as he 

 was at dinner at the time, he gave him apiece of bread and some 

 preserved apricots. The chief seemed to relish it very much, 

 and Livingstone asked him if he had anything equal to that in his 

 country. "Ah," said he, "did you ever taste white ants?" 

 Livingstone assured him that he had never tried that delicacy. 

 " Well, if you had," replied the chief, licking his mouth with 

 pleasant memories, "you never could have desired anything 

 better." 



AMONG THE TREE DWELLERS. 



AFTER more than a month's stay among the Manyuema, chiefly 

 atBambarre, Livingstone concluded to explore the Lualaba river, 

 which is a stream of considerable size, flowing through the Man- 

 yuema country and discharging its waters into Lake Kamalondo, 

 to the south. On the journey he met with no little opposition 

 from the natives ; some of these people mistrusted his intentions 

 and endeavored to turn him back, but great caution prevented a 

 collision. The women, all of whom are stark naked, appeared 

 more hostile, or, rather captious, than the men, but a few beads 

 or other trinkets usually placated them. 



Ivory was exceedingly plentiful, and little or no value was 

 placed upon it by the natives. The Arab traders brought with 

 them several slaves, with the expectation of trading them to the 

 Manyueuias for ivory, but the latter would ha^o none but female 



