EXTRAORDINARY FIREFLIES. 301 



afternoon's storm. From the elevation of the terrace, 

 the floor of the palace commanded a view of the top of 

 the forest, and we could see the trees bent down by the 

 force of the wind ; very soon a fierce blast swept through 

 the open doors, which was followed instantaneously 

 by heavy rain. The table was cleared by the wind, 

 and, before we could make our escape, was drenched 

 by the rain. We snatched away our plates, and finish- 

 ed our meal as we could. 



The rain continued, with heavy thunder and light- 

 ning, all the afternoon. In the absolute necessity of 

 taking up our abode among the ruins, we had hardly 

 thought of our exposure to the elements until it was 

 forced upon us. At night we could not light a candle, 

 but the darkness of the palace was lighted up by fire- 

 flies of extraordinary size and brilliancy, shooting 

 through the corridors and stationary on the walls, 

 forming a beautiful and striking spectacle. They were 

 of the description with those we saw at Nopa, known 

 by the name of shining beetles, and are mentioned by 

 the early Spaniards, among the wonders of a world 

 where all was new, " as showing the way to those who 

 travel at night." The historian describes them as 

 M somewhat smaller than Sparrows, having two stars 

 close by their Eyes, and two more under their Wings, 

 which gave so great a Light that by it they could spin, 

 weave, write, and paint ; and the Spaniards went by 

 night to hunt the Utios or little Rabbits of that country ; 

 and a-fishing, carrying these Animals tied to their great 

 Toes or Thumbs : and they called them Locuyos, be- 

 ing also of use to save them from the Gnats, which 

 are there very troublesome. They took them in the 

 Night with Firebrands, because they made to the Light, 

 and came when called by their Name ; and they are so 



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