134 FILARIA. 



FiLARIA. 



This very remarkable insect inhabits the 

 Indies, and is frequent in the morning dew, 

 whence it enters the naked feet of the slaves, 

 and creates the most troublesome itchings, 

 accompanied with inflammation and fever. 

 It must be cautiously drawn out, by means 

 of a piece of silk tied round its head, for if 

 the animal should break, the remaining part 

 grows with redoubled vigour, and is often 

 fatal. In size it is of great length, and not 

 thicker than a horse-hair. 



