[CentOS] ls and rm: "argument list too long"

Since when is there a limit in how long directory listings CentOS can show
(ls), or how large directories can be removed (rm). It is really annoying to
say, for example

    rm -rf /var/amavis/tmp

and get only "argument list too long" as feedback.

Is there a way to go round this problem?

I have CentOS 5.2. 

- Jussi

--
Jussi Hirvi * Green Spot
Topeliuksenkatu 15 C * 00250 Helsinki * Finland
Tel. & fax +358 9 493 981 * Mobile +358 40 771 2098 (only sms)
jussi.hirvi at greenspot.fi * http://www.greenspot.fi