7io 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, being 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.- Hirudo medic/nails. 



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

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



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 trouble- 

 some 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 anne- 



