10G • TRINIDAD. 



spot, formed by coagulated blood. The grey sand-fly is by far 

 the most troublesome of all insects : when in swarms they attack 

 men or animals, and, small as they are, cause extreme irritation, 

 whilst the spot bitten swells immediately into a bulla resembling 

 nettle-rash ; they creep into the sleeves, penetrate even into the 

 ears and nostrils, animals becoming sometimes unmanageable 

 under their attacks. 



Three kinds of breezes, or gad-flies, are found in the islands, 

 and commonly known as horse-flies. One is somewhat smaller 

 than the common fly, and of a grey colour ; it bites severely, 

 and is exceedingly numerous during the summer months ; it is 

 met with everywhere, especially in towns, and on estates. The 

 second species is of the size of a bee, and of greenish-yellow 

 colour ; it is found in the country and on the skirts of the high 

 woods, and comes out generally between four o'clock and sunset ; 

 its bite is severe, and sometimes blood trickles in drops from the 

 wound. The third species is larger, of a light brown colour, 

 with large green eyes ; its habits are very much like those of the 

 green breeze, or gad-fly. 



It will, however, suffice to mention only two kinds of flies 

 which appear to be of the same genus, and even of the same 

 species, as those of Europe, viz., the blue flesh-fly (Musca vomi- 

 toria) and the viviparous grey fly (Musca carnaria). The blue 

 fly, it seems, more especially haunts inhabited places. The grey 

 fly is met with in the high forest, and they must, indeed, be 

 numerous there, for let any putrid substance be exposed, and it 

 is immediately covered with swarms of those flies. These insects 

 are a source of loss to the planters, and an incessant cause of 

 annoyance even to individuals ; for the moment an animal pre- 

 sents a raw surface on its hide, however small it may be, they 

 are sure to deposit their larvae on the spot ; they act similarly on 

 the wounds or sores of incautious persons. I remember the case 

 of a man who had some sore in one of his nostrils, and lived near 

 a slaughter-house ; being a confirmed drunkard, he one day fell 

 asleep in the open air in front of his dwelling ; a few days after 

 he was taken with intense headache, and soon after with hemor- 

 rhage from the nose. On examination, it was found that the 

 evil was caused by two or three dozen worms, arising from the 

 above-mentioned fly. They are also invariably deposited on the 

 navel, and not unfrequently on the very lips and gums, of newly- 



