OTHER INHABITANTS OF THE FOREST. 253 



the purpose I have mentioned. Fires are con- 

 stantly made on these wooden floors, but there 

 is no fear of an accident. 



The plague of insects in the forest is very great, 

 and, to the white man, intolerable. 



There is the fire-ant of Guiana, that inflicts 

 cruel tortures. It is a tiny creature, and would 

 seem incapable of doing much mischief. But 

 the ants live in vast communities, and construct 

 hillocks which the traveller may chance to pass. 

 Then out rush hosts of ants, and innumerable 

 pincers wound his skin, until the pain is almost 

 more than he can bear. It has been compared to 

 the effect of boiling water poured on the legs and 

 feet. There is a venom in the bite of the fire- 

 ant ; and the creature is so tenacious, it will be 

 torn in pieces rather than quit its hold. 



