142 



THE FLEA. 



is covered, nor can the structure of the leos 

 be contemplated without admiration. 



Gregory. 



Astonishing strength of the Common Flea. 



Notwithstanding the general disappro- 

 bation of this insect, it has certainly some- 

 thing very pleasing in its appearance. When 

 examined with a microscope, it will be ob- 

 served to have a small head, large eyes, and 

 two short four jointed antennae, between 

 which is the trunk or proboscis. The body 

 appears enveloped in a shelly armour, that is 

 always clean and bright. This is beset at 

 the segments with many sharp bristles. All 

 motions indicate agility and elegance ; and 

 its muscular power is so extraordinary as 

 justly to excite our wonder. We know no 

 other animal whatever whose muscular 

 strength can be put in competition with 

 that of a Flea ; for, on a moderate compu- 

 tation it is known to leap to a distance of at 

 least two hundred times its own length. 



There is no kind of proportion between 



