204 (ESTEU3 BOVINUS. 



the finger, and into this a small gauze pouch or bag is in- 

 serted, hanging out an inch or two from the leather: this 

 plaister with its pouch is then placed upon the skin, to 

 which, from its warmth, which is very considerable, it readily 

 adheres, the pouch being opposite the opening. Whenever 

 the insect makes its way out and falls from the abscess, it is 

 caught by the bag, in which, as it cannot escape, it remains 

 till removed by the person looking after them. The larva 

 thus obtained, as it is fall fed, will hardly fail to produce a 

 perfect fly ; it is only necessary to put it into a pot with 

 some loose light earth for it to change upon. 



" That we may continue the history of these flies with some 

 degree of uniformity, we shall commence its operations with 

 some remarks on the deposition of the eggs, as we have done 

 with the former species. This act appears to be attended 

 with severe suffering or apprehension at least, which makes 

 the cattle run wild and furious and gad or stray from the 

 pastures; and hence the ancient epithet of gad-fly. When 

 yoked to the plough, the attack of this fly is attended with 

 real danger, since they become perfectly uncontrollable, and 

 will often run directly forwards through the hedges, or what- 

 ever obstructs their way. There is provided on this account, 

 to many ploughs a contrivance immediately to set them at 

 liberty. When the cattle are attacked by this fly it is easily 

 known by the extreme terror and agitation of the whole 

 herd; the unfortunate object of the attack runs bellowing 

 from among them to some distant part of the heath or the 

 nearest water ; the tail, from the severity of the pain, is held 

 with a tremulous motion straight from the body, and the 

 head and neck stretched out to the utmost. The rest from 

 fear generally follow to the water, or disperse to different 

 parts of the field. 



" And such is the dread and apprehension in the cattle of 



