TO CAFFA. 
137 
whose legs are covered with hair. In front it CI I I J A I r - 
has a pair of claspers, bearing some resem- v — 
blance to lobster’s claws. Pallas assured us, 
that its bite had proved fatal, in cases where he 
had himself attended the patient. Fortunately 
this insect is very rare. We preserved one for 
some time, in alcohol ; but the prepared speci- 
men was destroyed in its passage to England. 
The third kind of insect which is terrible on 
account of its bite is the Centipede, or Scolo - 
pendra morsitans 5 . This pernicious animal is 
very common in dry timber, and beneath stones, 
and in fissures of the earth, in warm situations. 
Scorpions also are found in the mountains. 
Strabo describes all the country between 
Theodosia {Caff a) and P anticapeeum ( Kertchy ) 
as rich in corn, and full of inhabitants \ In the 
villages we found parties of the Tzigankies, or Gipsies. 
Gipsies, encamped as we see them in England, 
hut having their tents stationed between their 
waggons. Poultry, cats, dogs, and horses, 
were feeding around them ; seeming like mem- 
bers of the same family. Gipsies are much 
encouraged by the Tahtars, who allow them to 
encamp in the midst of their villages, where 
they exercise the several functions of smiths, 
(3) See the Vignette to Chap. V. 
(4) Strab. lib. vii. p. 448. edit. Oxon . 1807. 
