♦ 
1811. THUNDER STORM. — THE RAIN-WORM. 449 
graving, both these objects are represented of their natural size ; 
although the ant here delineated (a neuter) must be considered as 
one of the largest of the species : many others, much smaller, are 
always found in the same hillock, which, from analogy with European 
ants, may be supposed to be the males. 
We were now met by a thunder storm, so violent that the oxen 
were hardly able to advance against it ; and we found it necessary 
to halt a few minutes till the force of it abated. Rain fell in torrents, 
and along with it a great deal of hail, of the size of large peas. 
Every hollow became almost instantly a pond ; and the heat of the 
weather, which, before the storm came on, was of a dry quality, 
and not unpleasant, was now rendered sultry and oppressive. 
Large worms, above six inches long, and nearly three quarters 
of an inch thick, were observed crawling along the ground, drawn 
out of their holes by the rain. This insect never makes its appear- 
ance but just after a shower ; at no other time, is it any where to be 
seen. The Hottentots call it the Regenwerm (Rain-worm) ; a name 
so perfectly appropriate, that I have adopted it in the specific name 
o£ pluvialis. It is nearly the largest species of the genus lulus. 
It being not possible to reach the Groote Fontein this day, 
without travelling in the dark, a practice I objected to on account 
3 M 
