128 LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 



his size, he could leap from Philadelphia to 

 New Orleans at a single jump. 



Some time since, a man was travelling about 

 the country, amusing the people by exhibiting 

 fleas harnessed to a carriage, at least fifty times 

 their own weight, which they pulled along with 

 great ease ; another pair drew a chariot, and a 

 single flea a brass cannon. I have heard 

 of a watch-maker in London, who made a little 

 iron carriage, with four ivory horses, the figures 

 of four persons inside, and two horses behind 

 it, all of which were easily drawn by a single 

 flea. 



A gentleman travelling in Italy saw a num- 

 ber of fleas for sale, with little steel and silver 

 collars around their necks ; he purchased one of 

 them, which he permitted at particular times to 

 suck the palm of his hand, and it enjoyed this 

 privilege for several months, when the cold 

 killed it. 



It is not very common, however, for people 

 to be fond of fleas, or take much pairis to culti- 

 vate their acquaintance ; though I have read of 

 an old lady who expressed her surprise at the 

 complaint of one of her young friends, who was 



