Page 34 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

READING LESSONS. 33
year, and a mine is always the i evitable conse­ quence. In the tropical climates, however, their presence is not attended with such lamentable conse­ quences as in the south of Europe. There the power of vegetation is so rapid and strong, that a compara­ tively short interval only is required to repair the damage; but in Europe, a year at least is requisite to obliterate their otsteps. Sometimes a strong wind brings deliverance om the pest, and the shores of the Mediterranean have been covered r miles with their dead carcasses; but even then they are not innoxious, r the stench arising om their putre­ ction is apt to occasion contagious diseases.
2. The locust is about three inches long, and has two feelers, each an inch in length; the upper wings are brown, with small dusky spots; the under side purple. The natives of the country where they most equently appear, roast and eat them, and in some cases pic e and preserve them, as a small, wretched substitute r the better provisions they have de­ stroyed. There are reckoned upwards of two hun­ dred species, of which several are used by the natives
LESSON XII.
LOSS IN DELAYS.
1. SHUN delays, they bre d remorse ; Take thy time, while time is lent thee;
Creeping snails have weakest rce,­ Fly their ult, lest thou repent thee :
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of Africa and India as ordinary od, and are said not to be unpalatable.