486 



The Andes and the Abiazons. 



settlement of the valley. It is true, however, that they 

 have their migrations. Fonte Boa, for example, the para- 

 dise of mosquitoes in Bates's time, is now nearly free from 

 them. Besides .these, there are Ants {Cici in Quichiia) 

 innumerable in species and individuals, and of all sizes, 

 from the little red ant of the houses to the mammoth To- 

 kand^ra, an inch and a half long. The latter, called Isiila 



An Aimy of Egitou Auts. 



in Peru, is a species of Cryptocerus; and I traced it from 

 Santarem to Moyobamba. It bites fiercely, but rarely 

 causes death. A single bite laid a man up in his ham- 

 mock for two days ; but these tropical people take to their 

 hammocks very easily. Dr. Spruce likens tlie pain to that 

 of a hundred thousand nettles. My battle Avith Ecitons 

 (Tauoca of the Indians) is given on page 225. They both 

 bite and sting. On the Tapajos lives the terrible Fire-ant 

 (" Forniiga do fogo "), whose sting is likened to the punct- 

 ure of a red-hot needle. The Saiibas are not carnivorous. 



