104 DIRECT INJURIES CAUSED BY INSECTS. 



but unfortunately for himself, and for science, the foot 

 intrusted with the precious deposit mortified, was 

 obliged to be amputated, and w ith all its inhabitants 

 committed to the waves. According to Ulloa, and his 

 opinion is confirmed by Jussieu, there are two South 

 American species of this mischievous insect. It is de- 

 scribed as generally attacking the feet and legs% get- 

 ting, without being felt, between the skin and the flesh, 

 usually under the nails of the toes, where it nidificates 

 and lays its eggti ; and if timely attention be not paid 

 to it, which, as it occasions no other uneasiness than 

 itching, (the sensation at first, I am assured, is rather 

 pleasing than otherwise,) is sometimes neglected, it 

 multiplies to such a degree, as to be attended by the 

 most fatal consequences, often, as in the above in- 

 stance, rendering amputation necessary, and sometiniGS 

 causing death''. The female slaves in the West In- 

 dies are often employed to extract these pests, which 

 they do with uncommon dexterity. Yarico, so cele- 

 brated in prose and verse, performed this kind office 

 for honest Ligon, who says, in his Jlistori/ of Barba- 

 does, " I have had ten (Chegoes) taken out of my feet 

 in a morning, by the most unfortunate Yarico, an Indian 

 woman '^." 



You have already, perhaps, been satiated with the 

 account before given of our enemies oHheAcarus tribe ; 

 there are a few, however, which I could not with pro- 



" Captain Hancock, late commander of His Majesty's ship the Fou- 

 droyant, to whose friendly exertions I ara indebted for one of the finr^t 

 collections of Brazil insects ever brought to England, informs me that 

 ♦hey will attack any exposed part of the body. He had one in his hand. 



" Piso and Margr. Ind. L'SO. ' {>• C5. 



