THE FLORIDAS, &C. 4*5 



fierce pain, or aching, for a considerable time after the wound 

 is made." This must be Tabanus. " There are three or four 

 species of less size, but equally vexatious, as they are vastly 

 more numerous, active, and sanguinary, particularly one about 

 half the size of the first-mentioned, of a dusky colour, with a 

 green head." Unquestionably Hcematopota. " Another, yet 

 somewhat less, of a splendid green, with the head of a gold 

 colour ; the sting of this is intolerable, no less acute than a 

 prick from a red-hot needle, or a spark of fire on the skin : 

 these are called burning flies. Besides the preceding tor- 

 mentors, there are three or four species of smaller biting flies ; 

 one of a dusky grey colour, another much of the same colour, 

 with spotted wings and a green head, and another very small 

 and perfectly black ; this last species lies in ambush in shrubby 

 thickets and cane brakes, near the water. Whenever we 

 approached the cool shades, near creeks, impatient for repose 

 and relief, almost sinking from persecutions from these evil 

 spirits, who continually followed and surrounded us over the 

 burning ridges and plains, and entertained hopes of peace and 

 quietness under the cool and humid groves, then we were 

 surprised by clouds of these last-named persecuting demons, of 

 musquitoes, and of gnats." 



One of the finest passages in this delightful book is about 

 Ephemera, but it is too long to quote. The author traces 

 their history from the egg placed floating on the surface of 

 the water, through its long approach to maturity, until — the 

 creature of a day — it bursts from its confinement, and makes the 

 air its home. " Solemnly and slowly move onwards to the 

 river shore, the rustling clouds of the Ephemera. How awful 

 the procession ! innumerable millions of winged beings, volun- 

 tarily verging on to destruction, to the brink of the grave, 

 where they behold bands of their enemies with wide open jaws 

 ready to receive them. But, as if insensible of the danger, gay 

 and tranquil, each meets in the still air his beloved mate, 

 inimitably decked in new nuptial robes. What eye can trace 

 them in their varied wanton amorous chases, bounding and 

 fluttering on the odoriferous air ! With what peace, love, and 

 joy, do they end the last moments of their existence ! " 



The description of the Cactus opantia, and its inhabitant 

 the Coccus cacti, the valuable cochineal of commerce, is 

 worth transcribing. " The Cactus opuntia is very tall, erect, 



no. v. VOL. III. 3 I 



