Nettling Insects 
53 
episcleral vessels (fig. 41a). Twenty-seven nodules could be differ¬ 
entiated, those directly in the center of the collection being some¬ 
what confluent and 
assuming a crescen¬ 
tic and circular ap¬ 
pearance. The nod¬ 
ules were excised 
and, on sectioning, 
were found to be 
composed of a layer 
of spindle cells and 
round cells, outside 
of which the tissue 
was condensed into 
a capsule. The 
interior consisted of 
epithelioid cells, be¬ 
tween which was a 
considerable inter¬ 
cellular substance. Directly in the center of a certain number of 
nodules was found the section of a hair (fig. 416). The evidence 
indicated that the injury had resulted from playing with caterpillars 
of one of the Arctiid moths, Spilosoma virginica. Other reported 
cases have been caused by the hairs of larvae of Lasiocampa rubi, 
L. pini, Porthetria dispar, Psilura monacha and Cnethocampa 
processionea. 
Relief from Poisoning by Nettling Larvae—The irritation from 
nettling larvae is often severe and, especially in regions where the 
brown-tail abounds, inquiries as to treatment arise. In general, it 
may be said that cooling lotions afford relief, and that scratching, 
with the possibilities of secondary infection, should be avoided, in 
so far as possible. 
Among the remedies usually at hand, weak solutions of ammonia, 
or a paste of ordinary baking soda are helpful. Castellani and Chalm¬ 
ers recommend cleaning away the hairs by bathing the region with 
an alkaline lotion, such as two per cent solution of bicarbonate of 
soda, and then applying an ointment of ichthyol (10%). 
