RAVAGES OF THE TERMITES 
241 
the ravages they executed in the timber-work of a quarter of the town 
where they were introduced by foreign ships. Whole buildings are 
found eaten up, though apparently sound,—all the wood hollowed and 
tunnelled, even to the banisters of the staircase: do not rest upon 
them, or they will yield and give way under your hand. These terrible 
nibblers seem willing, however, to confine themselves to one district of 
the town, and not to invade the remainder. Otherwise, this historical 
city, important still through its marine and its commerce, would be 
reduced to the condition of Herculaneum and Pompeii. 
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