188 ON ANIMAL AND 



inflammation of the part; though such wounds 

 are seldom attended with any serious conse- 

 quences. 



There are a few other smaller insects, particu- 

 larly among the fly, gnat, and ant tribes, that may 

 be considered venomous ; and whose bites or 

 sting, cause great irritation and inconvenience to 

 the human subject, more especially in warm cli- 

 mates. Among these, the tropical gnat, or mos- 

 quito, and the fire ant of South America, take the 

 lead. The mosquito prevails in overwhelming 

 proportions upon the sea coast, and in the vici- 

 nity of lagoons, low woods, and swamps in all 

 countries within a few degrees of the equator; 

 and prove an unfailing source of discomfiture, 

 pain, and disfigurement to such Europeans, more 

 especially if strangers, who happen to reside 

 within their reach ; rendering too often unavail- 

 ing the active measures usually adopted to guard 

 against their bites. 



The fire ant is to be met with in Africa, but in 

 the largest proportions in South America. This 

 insect has been particularly noticed by Captain 

 Stedman, in his Travels in Surinam. He says, 

 "these insects are black and very diminutive; 

 but live in such amazing multitudes together, that 

 their hillocks have sometimes obstructed our 

 passage by their size ; over which if one chances 

 to pass, the feet and Jegs are instantly covered 

 with swarms of these creatures, which seize the 



