82 THREE MONTHS IN FLORIDA 



uncertain, and put in an appearance when least expected 

 or desired. The mosquito is bad, the sand-fly is worse, 

 but neither can hold a candle (figuratively speaking), to 

 the flea. In many things the flea, the wicked flea, is 

 wholly unapproachable. He can jump farthest, hold 

 his wind longest, and bite the cussedest of any members 

 of his tribe. Of all things the most annoying, he holds 

 on, hits hard, and his persecutions end only with his 

 death. He is a regular hard-shell Baptist ; and if there 

 is no place of future punishment in his creed, his victim 

 fervently hopes there is one for fleas. If one of these 

 crustaceans take up his abode with you, it is for life, 

 and should at once be hunted down. But the flea is not 

 indigenous to Florida, as is well known, and he has no 

 particular State for habitat, though dwelling only in 

 certain places. If the camp be pitched in an old plan 

 tation, or near a family of crackers, where canine and 

 porcine quadrupeds do abound, then look out for fleas. 

 Camp on fresh ground, near no plantation, deserted or 

 occupied ; allow no dogs, hogs, or flea-haunted men near, 

 and you may be exempt from their ravages. Should a 

 flea obtain a lodgment in your garments (you will know 

 it at once), lose no time in doffing your clothes and insti 

 tuting a thorough and vigorous search. Remain out a 

 week rather than carry him to camp. These are extreme 

 measures, not recommended only suggested. 



Scorpions sometimes alarm the camper by suddenly 

 appearing from under an overturned piece of bark, or 

 perhaps from under a blanket. They are not very com 

 mon, and their sting, though painful, is not fatal. 

 There is no danger from them unless suddenly grasped or 

 confined in the clothing. They are very disagreeable 

 visitors, however, and one that I happened to take in my 



