208 ON ANIMAL AND 



little increased by the expansion of their mem- 

 branous wings when in the act of flying ; and 

 which, from being of a dark brown, form a 

 striking contrast with the brilliant colours of the 

 other parts of the body. When they alight, they 

 usually fix themselves upon the alder, the willow, 

 the ash, or upon trees of that description ; the 

 branches of which being shook, they drop into 

 a cloth placed underneath for the purpose, and 

 are killed with the fumes of sulphur, or of some 

 other poisonous substance, and dried in a stove 

 for use. 



The cantharides pulverized, it is well known, 

 form the principal ingredient in blisters ; and, in 

 the hands of skilful physicians, perhaps there are 

 few articles in the materiamedica of such impor- 

 tant and comprehensive use, or where so many 

 diseases are relieved by their application. 



Internally, the Spanish fly is more usually given 

 in the form of tincture; and, under a very guarded 

 management, is capable of relieving- some impor- 

 tant diseases. To the smell, this fly is particularly 

 offensive ; and to the taste, it is acrid and burn- 

 ing. When taken internally, (unless administered 

 in the most diminutive proportions,) it produces 

 fatal inflammation of the stomach, bladder, and 

 of other important viscera, accompanied with 

 excruciating pain, and a train of distressing 

 symptoms, exceeded perhaps by few even of the 

 most active poisons. Similar symptoms, in a 



