APTEBA. 33 



beneath the skin does not at first cause any pain. But after a 

 few days one is made aware of its presence by an itching, which, 

 though at first slight, gradually increases, and ends by becoming 

 unbearable. 



The chigo, when under the skin, betrays itself by a bump 

 outside. Its body has now become as large as a pea, in the 

 attacked skin a large brown bag containing matter is formed. In 

 this bag are collected the eggs, which issue from an orifice in 

 the posterior extremity, and are not hatched in the wound itself, as 

 was long thought to be the case. 



The chigoes are an object of terror to the Brazilian negroes. 

 These formidable parasites sometimes attack the whole of the 

 foot, which they devour, and thus bring on mortification ; many 

 negroes losing the bones of some of their toes by the ravages 

 of these dangerous creatures. To guard against their attacks, 

 they wear thick shoes, and examine their feet carefully every 

 day. The plan usually followed in the Brazils to prevent the 

 chigoes from injuring the feet, is to employ children, who, by 

 their sharpness of sight, can easily perceive the red spot on the 

 skin, where the chigo has entered. These children are in the 

 habit of extracting the insect from the wound by means of a 

 needle. But this is not without risk ; as, if any portion of the 

 insect remains in the wound, a dangerous inflammation may ensue. 

 For this reason, operators who are renowned for their skill are 

 much sought after, flattered, and rewarded by the poor negroes 

 of the plantations. 



The Head Louse (Pediculus capitis, Fig. 18) is an insect with 

 a flat body, slightly transparent, and of greyish colour, spotted 

 with black on the spiracles, soft in the middle, and rather hard 

 at the sides. The head, which is oval, is furnished with two 

 thread-like antennae, composed of five joints, which are constantly 

 in motion while the creature is walking ; it is also furnished with 

 two simple, round, black eyes ; and, lastly, with a mouth. In the 

 front of the head is a short, conical, fleshy nipple. This nipple 

 contains a sucker or rostrum, which the animal can put out when 

 it likes, and which, when extended, represents a tubular body, 

 terminating in six little pointed hooks, bent back, and serving 

 to retain the instrument in the skin. This organ is surmounted 



D 



