238 TRESPASSERS UPON THE AIR. 



Indeed, I feel sure that, just as there are millions 

 of mosquitoes, fleas, leeches, and similar bloodthirsty 

 creatures, which never taste blood in the whole course 

 of their lives, so it is with the Vampire, whose oppor- 

 tunities of blood-sucking are quite exceptional. 



It will, however, seldom neglect a chance which 

 offers itself, and man, horse, or mule are equally 

 sufferers from its predilection for blood. It does not 

 cause much, if any pain, insinuating its needles of 

 teeth into the skin, and quietly drinking the blood as 

 it pours from the tiny apertures. 



With animals, the Yampire generally attacks the 

 shoulder or the flank, but with human beings the 

 great toe is the favourite point of assault. The Vam- 

 pire almost always waits until its intended victim is 

 sleeping, and then draws off the blood so gently and 

 quietly, that the sleeper is not disturbed. 



It seems to be rather capricious in its taste. 

 Somewhere about the year 1813, Mr. Waterton, who 

 was then travelling in Guiana, wished to have practical 

 experience of a Vampire's bite. Accordingly, for many 

 months he exposed himself to the attacks of the Vam- 

 pires, by sleeping in an open shed, through which the 

 bats used to pass freely, and were seen hovering over 

 the traveller's hammock. But not a Vampire would 

 touch him. They bit a native servant who was sleep- 

 ing within a few yards of his hammock ; they bit a 

 young English lad, about twelve years of age ; they 

 nearly killed an unfortunate jackass, and they did kill 

 the fowls ; but they would not touch Mr. Waterton. 

 Some years ago, when telling me the story, he jokingly 

 remarked, that perhaps the Vampires showed their 



