WOOD LOUSE. 181 



preaches of the female Oestrus ; flying with 

 uncontroulable rapidity, and endeavouring 

 to escape their tormentor, by taking refuge 

 in the nearest pond ; it being observed that 

 this insect rarely attacks cattle when stand- 

 ing in the water. 



Oniscvs ^iiM^jDiLLo.— Medical Wood 

 Louse. 



This popular insect, well known by the 

 name of Wood-louse, is a very common insect 

 in gardens and fields, and is observed in 

 great quantities under the barks of decayed 

 trees, and beneath stones in damp situations ^ 

 &c. When suddenly disturbed or handled, 

 it rolls itself up into a completely globular 

 form, in the manner of the curious quad- 

 rupeds called Armadillos, frequently remain- 

 ing in this state for a very considerable 

 length of time, or so long as it is any ways 

 disturbed. Swaramerdam relates a ludicrous 

 mistake of a servant maid, who, finding in 

 & 



