[1834]. An equal degree of contentment to that which in this recital we find exhibited by the Eubœan herdsmen, is still in our own times displayed by the rough peasants of the Lipari islands, in the midst of far greater privations:—“It is incredible at the same time how contented these islanders are amid all their poverty. Ulysses perhaps cherished not a greater love for his Ithaca than they bear to their Eolian rocks which, wretched as they may appear, they would not exchange for the Fortunate islands. Frequently have I entered their huts which seem like the nests of birds hung to the cliffs. They are framed of pieces of lava ill-joined together, equally destitute of ornament within and without, and scarcely admitting a feeble uncertain light, like some gloomy cavern.” Spallanzani, Travels in the Two Sicilies, iv. 147.
[1835]. The absence of these tormentors of cattle was considered a matter of great importance by the ancients. Virgil, where he is giving directions respecting the best pastures suited to the youthful mothers of the herds, celebrates the exploits of the gadfly:
Saltibus in vacuis pascant, et plena secundum
Flumina: muscus ubi, et viridissima gramine ripa,
Speluncæque tegant, et saxea procubet umbra.
Est lucos Silari circa, ilicibusque virentem
Plurimus Alburnum volitans, cui nomen asilo
Romanum est, œstrum Graii vertere vocantes:
Asper, acerba sonans: quo tota exterrita sylvis
Diffugiunt armenta; furit mugitibus æther