THE MANSE GARDEN. 47 



never cease to move. This effect of the bite does 

 not disappear till the decline of life not that the 

 mental and nervous energy are then expended, but 

 a more quiescent state is superinduced in accommo- 

 dation to the weakness of the bones and muscles. 

 From all the cases, however, that have come under 

 my observation, I can truly say that this decline has 

 been put off to a far greater distance from those 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 speci- 

 fics, 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 



