EARTHWORMS, LEECHES, ETC. 105 



tach itself to the body of a patient and feed until it was com- 

 pletely gorged. Leech farms where these "medicinal leeches" 

 were raised were formerly common in some countries, and a jar 

 of live leeches was a part of the regular stock of the apothecary. 

 They are now seldom used. 



