THE LOVES OF THE INSECTS. T^Ol 



blood. It is not mere instinct that leads a flea 

 to ascertain the only spot in the frame of the 

 dog whereon he can enjoy complete freedom from 

 distm^bancOj and obtain rest, and not hopeless but 

 hopless sleep. 



There is a philosopher very aptly named for 

 the theme on which he cleverly descants, ^ Hunt 

 on the Skin ' ; and any observant person may see 

 the dog closely nibbling with his teeth to catch 

 his tormentors, or scratching vigorously at them 

 with his hind toe-nails, pursuing Ids '^ hunt on 

 the skin" in all parts of his person save the 

 rearmost portion of his loin, where it closely abuts 

 on the root of the stern or tail. ^ To that spot 

 he cannot attain^ and at that spot^ not deviating 

 an inch beyond this Alsatia, do the dog's fleas 

 resort; they go there for rest, — it is only for 

 refreshment that they wend to otlier districts. 



This same anatomical reason is possessed by the 

 New Forest fly ; he is different from all otlier 

 forest flies. His powers are so great, that he 

 can unseat a regiment of dragoons if they cross 

 his wilds, and an army dare not picket by night 

 in his vicinity, or all the horses Would break loose. 

 He feasts on blood, but Nature, for some occult 



