THE BITE. 53 



who have submitted to the bite, and the increased 

 activity which it communicates, than from such as, 

 preferring a mere torpid state of existence, have 

 treated their nervous system with punch and pipes, 

 and morning slumbers and strong tea. I am not 

 philosopher enough to tell why a machine that has 

 so many joinings, levers, pulleys, and pivots, should 

 last longer by constant and even rapid motion than 

 by lying a good deal idle unless it be that rust 

 consumes faster than labour wears; but, like other 

 venders of specifics, I rest chiefly on the facts of 

 the case, and to these I can confidently refer. 



I have further observed, as to the effect of the 

 infusion by the bite, that it stimulates the brain 

 gently, increases the circulation, and determines 

 to the surface that it gives to the head a great 

 turn for quick inventions, and fills the heart with 

 kindly feelings. In short, I have never discovered 

 any thing of a rabid tendency in its effects on those 

 who have been bit except a strong propensity to 

 bite others. And as to its operation on your taste 

 and pursuits, it will inspire a love of your garden, 

 and as strong an antipathy to that of the sluggard 

 as another sort of bite gives to the sight of water. 

 But neither will it infect you with a flower mania, 

 and set you to the useless counting of petals, pros- 

 ing about anthers, and dozing away your time 

 amongst poppy heads. You will prefer a goodly 

 laurel, placed with good effect, and having this 

 noble advantage, that whilst it is fair to view, 

 there is no further trouble in all time coming with 



