Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 2) (London, 1832)

98 WHITE ANTS.

for many a wardrobe have they demolished,
well filled with valuable dresses and millinery
before their vicinity has even been suspected,
or their traces discovered. They destroy beams
in the roofs of houses, chests of valuable papers,
carpets, mats, and furniture, with a dispatch
which renders them the most formidable of
enemies, although to appearance but a mean
little insect.

There is one season of the year when they
take flight, having four beautiful transparent
wings; this occurs during the periodical rains,
when they are attracted by the lights of the
houses, which they enter in countless numbers
filling the tables, and whilst flitting before the
lights disencumber themselves of their wings.
They then become, to appearance, a fat maggot,
and make their way to the floors and walls,
where it is supposed they secrete themselves for
a season, and are increasing in numbers whilst
in this stage of existence. At the period of
their migration in search of food, they will
devour any perishable materials within their
reach. It is probabie, however, that they first