ALCHEMY 115 



is less the result of its form than of its colouring, which 

 is the freshest and brightest green. 



Next to the lizards, the flies and mosquitoes are the 

 living things most en Mdence in an Indian house ; but 

 both are too well known to require description. The 

 fly in no way differs from the fly of Europe ; nor, except 

 that he is smaller and more venomous, is the mosquito, 

 to the unscientific eye, to be distinguished from our 

 ordinary English gnat. The flies by care can be pretty 

 well excluded, excepting during the rains, when it is 

 pleasant to have the outer doors left open. But the 

 mosquitoes are irrepressible. During the day they are 

 mostly quiescent ; also, being semi-aquatic animals, 

 they confine themselves chiefly to the bathing-rooms, 

 where there is always a supply of water. As sunset 

 approaches they awake to activity, and commence to 

 wander abroad. The first indication of their awakening 

 is a low humming sound. The sound itself is not un- 

 melodious ; it is unpleasant, however, in its associations; 

 also in its indications, for it shows that the armies of 

 these little torments are assembling and will shortly 

 appear. 



There are two other insects always present in Indian 

 houses ; but one is rarely, the other never, seen. The 

 first is a species of book-worm, the other a variety of 

 beetle. The book-worm, as his name imports, bores 

 holes through books and papers. The appellation to 

 him of " worm " is, however, very misleading, for in 

 shape, in colour, and in the glistening aspect of his skin, 

 he bears the most singular resemblance to a most 

 diminutive fish. The resemblance is so striking that 



