TH-E FLEA. 555 



ilate for a few days, it fplns a filken cod, in which it lies 

 dormant for about a fortnight ; after which it burfts from 

 its confinement, endowed with powers to diilurb the 

 peace of an emperor. 



Preparations of mercury are eiFe£tual in deftroying the 

 flea, and moft other noxious vermin. In fome places, 

 "bugs, fleas, and other abominable infefts, are held in fa- 

 perflitiou? veneration. At Surat, there, is an hofpital 

 endowed for their preferyation ; where every night they 

 prevail upon feme poor wretch to fuffer himfelf to be 

 preyed upon for their fuftenance. They faften him naked 

 upon abed, where he is deprived of the means of fel£ 

 defence ; and the. famiftied penfioners riot in his blood 

 faring the wliole night *. Another pious foundation of 

 ■^ flmilar nature, but lefs ludicrous, is erecled in 7'urkej.^ 

 'if>v decayed orinfirra dogs. 



. * Barbut's-Genera.'p. 3^2, 



4 A^ 



