A YOUNG NATURALIST. 



413 



sume. Lucien wondered at the number of animated be- 

 ings which surrounded us, all the more surprising when 

 compared with the gloomy solitude we had just passed 

 through. 



"In the Terre-Chaude" said I, "the water-side is al- 

 ways fertile, for the inhabitants both of the prairies and the 

 forests meet there." 



" Why don't the Mexicans live in such a varied and 

 beautiful country as the Terre-Chaude ?" 



" Because a dragon guards the entrance to these countries 

 where nature lavishes its choicest gifts." 

 "A dragon?" 



" Yes ; the yellow fever. A terrible malady which cor- 

 rupts the blood, and selects the most robust frames for its 

 victims. The negro only can labor under this burning sun ; 

 where even an Indian is overcome by the marsh fever." 



" Are we liable to catch these fevers ?" 



