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They are minute reddish mites which occur in grass and 

 shrubs. They attack the ankles and wrists of persons who 

 are exposed to them, and if left undisturbed will bury them- 

 selves in the skin. When they occur in great numbers as 

 they sometimes do, and swarm over the arms and legs, 

 they cause an extremely painful irritation. 



These small mites have been described and figured as 

 species of the genus Leptus Leptus irritans, and L. ameri- 

 cana but they are probably only the larval forms of some 

 Trombidium. 



Several remedies are in use in the tropics against this 

 mite. The wearing of thick boots, riding leggings, or put- 

 ties, will often serve as a preventive, especially in short 

 grass. The application of rum, whiskey or dilute alcohol 

 will kill the bete rouge, if this can be made before 

 the mites have burrowed into the skin. Lime 

 juice and greasy substances, especially carbolated oil, vase- 

 line, or tallow candle will generally be found effective. An 

 effort should be made to prevent mites from, burrow- 

 ing into the skin. They can often be discovered in the 

 centre of the little red 'swelling which results from the 

 irritation caused by them, arid if they are removed much of 

 the irritation may be avoided. 



