Insects of Ceylon. 317 
much despatch and dexterity, and when newly finished appears 
wet. As soon as it has attained a proper consistency, they fall 
to devour under its covert with great celerity. So powerful is 
tins instinct, that they will not even pass from the bottom to 
the top of a house, along the walls or posts, without first pre- 
paring their covert way. This contrivance, by which they ex- 
pect to escape detection, never fails to betray them, and point 
them out to the observation of their enemies. When these tubes 
are swept down and destroyed, the ravages of the ants are for 
that time prevented, as they will never proceed to work with- 
out previously renewing their structure. 
I have never observed locusts on the island though they 
are to be found in different parts of India. Land tortoises 
are in many parts abundant. 
The black scorpion of Ceylon is a very dangerous insect, 
and its sting is frequently mortal. This species is about four 
inches long and from one to two broad over the middle of the 
body. When running or disturbed, their tail is usually carried on 
their backs. They bite with their fangs or forceps, and in- 
stantly dart the sting, which lies in their tail, into the place 
they have bitten. Their sting emits a poison resembling milk, 
but not altogether so white. When these scorpions are attacked 
by their inveterate enemy the ant, and cannot get rid of him, 
they sting themselves to death. 
The centpied or centipedes, which receives its name from 
the many legs which shoot out from every part of its body, 
stings in the same manner as the scorpion, first biting the 
object, and then darting the sting on its tail into the 
wound. 
There is an immense spider found here, with legs not less 
