134 TRINIDAD. 



common at certain periods only : it generally attacks the legs, sel- 

 dom the face or hands, and its bite occasions an itching sensation, 

 but no bulla, the place being marked by a very small black spot, 

 formed by coagulated blood. The gray sand- fly is by far the 

 most troublesome of all insects : when in swarms it attacks men 

 or animals ; and, small as it is, causes extreme irritation, whilst 

 the spot bitten swells immediately into a bulla resembling nettle 

 rash : they creep into the sleeves, penetrate even into the ears 

 and nostrils, animals becoming sometimes unmanageable under 

 their attacks. 



Three kinds of breezes, or gad-flies, are found in the islands, 

 and commonly known as horse-flies. One is somewhat smaller 

 than the common fly, and of a gray colour ; it bites severely, and 

 is exceedingly numerous during the summer months ; it is met 

 with everywhere, especially in towns, and on estates, The second 

 species is of the size of a bee, and of greenish-yellow colour ; it 

 is found in the country, and on the skirts of the high woods, and 

 comes out generally between four o'clock and sunset ; its bite is 

 severe, and sometimes blood trickles in drops from the wound. 

 The third species is larger, of a light brown colour, with large 

 green eyes ; its habits are very much like those of the green 

 breeze, or gad-fly. 



It will, however, suffice to mention only two kinds of flies which 

 appear to be of the same genus, and even of the same species, as 

 those of Europe, viz., the blue flesh-fly (Musca vomitorid) and the 

 viviparous gray fly (Musca carnaria). The blue fly, it seems, more 

 especially haunts inhabited places. The gray fly is met with in 

 the high forest, and they must, indeed, be numerous there ; for, 

 let any putrid substance be exposed, and it is immediately covered 

 with swarms of those flies. These insects are a source of loss to 

 the planters, and an incessant cause of annoyance even to indi- 

 viduals ; for the moment an animal presents a raw surface on its 

 hide, however small it may be, they are sure to deposit their 

 larvae on the spot ; they act similarly on the wounds or sores of 

 incautious persons. I remember the case of a man who had some 

 sore in one of his nostrils, and lived near a slaughter-house ; 

 being a confirmed drunkard, he one day fell asleep in the 

 open air in front of his dwelling ; a few days after he was 

 taken with intense headache, and soon after with hemorrhage 

 from the nose. On examination, it was found that the evil was 



