992 ae VAG-VAGUES.

“The negroes also pointed out to me a consider-
able number of the stars that form the chief con-
stellations, besides most of the planets, wherewith
they were well acquainted. Nay, they went so
far as to distinguish the oscillations of the stars,
which began at that time to be visible to the eye.
It is amazing that such a rude and illiterate people
should reason so pertinently in regard to those
heavenly bodies, for there is no manner of doubt
that with proper instruments and a good will they
would become excellent astronomers, by reason
that they live in a climate that enjoys a clear sky
almost the year round.”

More annoying even than the stings of the mos-
quitoes were a species of white ant, called vag-
vague, abounding in the Island of Goree, where our
naturalist lodged some months in astraw hut. “TI
should have thought myself pretty well off,” says
he, “had these insects attacked only the reeds of
my habitation, but they pierced‘ through a trunk,
which stood on trestles a foot above the ground,
- and gnawed most of my books. Even my bed was
not spared; and though I took care every evening
to break down the galleries they constructed, yet
they were frequently erected again during the night
up to my bolster, and the vag-vagues got into the
bed, where, after cutting the linen and mattress,
they came to my flesh, and bit me most cruelly.