710 



EGGS OF THE LEECH. 



so long that it more than counterbalances the value of the creature itself. " Use up, and 

 buy more," is the plan that is now pursued by the surgeon. 



The Leeches that are used in this country are mostly imported from Brittany, where 

 they live in great numbers and constitute an important branch of commerce, beiiU sold 

 by millions annually. The Leech-gatherers take them in various ways. The simplest 

 and most successful method is to wade into the water and pick off the Leeches as 

 fast as they settle upon the bare legs. This plan, however, is by no means calculated to 

 improve the health of the Leech-gatherer, who becomes thin, pale, and almost spectre-like, 

 from the constant drain of blood, and seems to be a fit companion for the old worn-out 

 horses and cattle that are occasionally driven into the leech-ponds in order to feed these 

 bloodthirsty annelids. 



Another plan is to entangle the Leeches in a mass of reeds and rushes, and a third 

 method is, to substitute pieces of raw meat for the legs of the man, and take off the 



COMMON LEECH. Uirurin 



Leeches as they gather round the spoil This proceeding, however, is thought to injure tlu 

 health of the Leeches, and is not held in much favour. 



Those who keep Leeches, and desire that they should be preserved in a healthy state, 

 will do well to line the sides of the vessel with clay, and to place a bundle of moss, 

 equisetum, and similar materials, with the annelids. These creatures are invested with a 

 coat of slime, and, as is often the case with such beings, is obliged frequently to change its 

 skin. This operation is performed every four or five days, and is rather a troublesome one, 

 unless the Leech be furnished with some such materials as have just been mentioned. Like 

 the snake, when in the act of casting its slough, the Leech crawls among the stems of moss, 

 and thus succeeds in rubbing off its cast garment. 



The Leech lays its eggs in little masses, called cocoons, each of which contains, on the 

 average, from six to sixteen eggs. These cocoons are placed in clay banks, and are of 

 rather large size, being about three-quarters of an inch in length. In some parts of 

 France, attempts are made to rear the Leeches ; and it is found that these fastidious annelids 



