THE BEETLE. 157 



is produced has hitherto continued inexplicable : 

 it is probable the little animal is supplied with 

 some electrical powers, so that by rubbing the 

 joints of its body against each other, it thus sup- 

 plies a stream of light, which, if it allures the male, 

 as we are told, serves for very useful purposes. 



The Cantharis is of the beetle kind, from 

 whence come cantharides, well known in the 

 shops by the name of Spanish flies, and for their 

 use in blisters. They have feelers like bristles, 

 flexible cases to the wings, a breast pretty plain, 

 and the sides of the belly wrinkled. Cantharides 

 differ from each other in their size, shape, and 

 colour j those used in the shops also do the 

 same. The largest in these parts are about an 

 inch long, and as much in circumference, but 

 others are not above three quarters of an inch. 

 Some are of a pure azure colour, others of pure 

 gold, and others again have a mixture of pure 

 gold and azure colours; but they are all very 

 brilliant, and extremely beautiful. These in- 

 sects, as is well known, are of the greatest be- 

 nefit to mankind, making a part in many medi- 

 cines conducive to human preservation. They 

 are chiefly natives of Spain, Italy, and Portugal ; 

 but they are to be met with also about Paris in 

 the summer time, upon the leaves of the ash, the 

 poplar, and the rose trees, and also among wheat, 

 and in meadows. It is very certain that these 

 insects are fond of ash leaves, insomuch that they 

 will sometimes strip one of these trees quite bare. 

 Some affirm, that these flies delight in sweet 

 smelling herbs ; and it is very certain that they 



