[ *39 ] 
XI. Some Account of the Termites, which are found in Africa 
and other hoi Climates. In a Letter from Mr . Henry 
Smeathman, of Clement’s Inn, to Sir Jofeph Banks, Bart, 
P, R. S. 
Read February 15, 1.781* 
3 I R s Clement’s Inn, 
Jan. 23, 1781. 
O F a great many curious parts of the creation I met with 
on my travels in that almoft unknown diftridt of Africa 
called Guinea, the termites, which by moil travellers have 
been called white ants, feemed to me on many accounts 
mod; worthy of that exadt and minute attention which I have 
bellowed upon them. 
The amazingly great and fudden mifchief they frequently 
do to the property of people in tropical climates, makes them 
well known and greatly feared by the inhabitants. 
The fize and figure of their buildings have attracted the 
notice of many travellers, and yet the world has not hitherto 
been furnilhed with a tolerable defcription of them, though 
their contrivance and execution fcarce fall fhortof human inger 
nuity and prudence ; but when we come to conlider the won-* 
tierful oeconomy of thefe infedls, with the good order of their 
fubterraneous cities, they will appear foremoll on the lift of the 
wonders of the creation, as moll clofely imitating mankind in 
provident induftry and regular government. 
T a You 
