THE FLEA. 375 



thread of the spider is near five times finer than that of 

 the silk-worm ; therefore, upon a calculation, there must 

 have been sixty thousand to make one pound of silk ; 

 but Mr. Reaumer, which was the name of the gentle- 

 man who endeavoured to convert their labours into 

 benefit, had a pair of gloves made from their thread. 



Of this animal there are several kinds, though none 

 differing essentially from the rest : the water-spider is 

 the most singular amongst them, from its body being 

 rather shaped like a nine-pin than a ball, and from being 

 as well able to form its web in the water as upon land. 



The tarantula is a species of this animal, a native of 

 Apulia in Italy, and the largest of the kind. The bite 

 of the tarantula is extremely painful, and fable has at- 

 tached to it a variety of tales. It has been said that its 

 effects are only to be removed by music; and that the 

 afflicted person labours under a temporary madness, 

 which often terminates in death. 



OF THE FLEA. 



This insect is not only an enemy to mankind in 

 general, but a great tormentor both to dogs and cats, 

 in whose fleecy coverings it lodges with security, and 

 by concealment is enabled to evade their attacks. The 

 numbers of this insect are much greater in France and 

 Italy than they are in our more fortunate clime; but, 

 though they are less prolific amongst us, they are al- 

 lowed to inflict a sharper bite. 



If the flea is examined through a microscope, it will 

 be observed to have a small head, roundish body, and 

 large eyes: it has six legs and two feelers, between 

 which is placed a trunk or tube, which it buries be- 

 neath the skin, and through which it sucks the blood. 

 The body appears to be curiously adorned with a set of 



B b 4 



