ublesome. The
Cucaracha, which more particularly infests the deep regions of the
forest, is an inch and a half long, and above half an inch broad; it is
reddish brown, with a yellow neck. The Chilicabra, though smaller, is
more mischievous, by reason of its greater numbers. They settle in the
huts, where they destroy provisions, gnaw clothes, get into beds, and
into the dishes at meal time. These insects defy every precaution that
can be taken against their tormenting attacks. Luckily, nature has
provided enemies for their destruction. Among these is a small reddish
yellow ant, called by the Indians, the _Pucchu-cici_, a useful member
of the ant family, for it pursues and destroys the mischievous
cockroaches. There is also a very elegant little bird, called the
_Cucarachero_ (_Troglodytes audax_, Tsch.) which wages war against
these insects. On seizing one of them it first bites off the head, then
devours the body, and throws away the tough wings. These operations
being completed, it hops to the nearest bush, and tunes its melodious
song, the sounds of which closely resemble the words "_Acabe la
tarea!_" a name which the Indians give to this bird.[96] I could yet
fill many pages with descriptions of insects which are dangerous or
troublesome, and among them are included the julus, measuring six
inches in length, the large black and red scorpion, not forgetting the
numerous poisonous wasps and the cicadas. However, those which have
been noticed will suffice to afford an idea of the ever-active
movements of animal life in the forests.

Willingly would I take a view of the vegetation of the virgin forests,
and attempt to sketch its progressive developments and alternations
from the hilly Montanas of the eastern declivities of the Andes to the
humid level banks of the larger rivers; but I do not feel myself
competent to undertake a labor to which former travellers intimately
acquainted with the world of plants have already rendered full
justice.[97] Being devoted to the study of zoology, and,
unfortunately, too little familiar with botany, I have confined myself
to a description of the general impression produced by the luxuriant
growth of the soil, without entering into the individualities of the
vegetation. In the more highly situated Montanas, where the cinchona
is found in the place of its nativity, the gigantic orchidae, the
numerous fern plants, the tree-like nettles, the wonderful bignonias,
and the numerous, impene