412 



IN VERTEBRATES. 



quantitj, but this is probably on account of the animal or 

 vegetable matter, in a state of decomposition, which it may con- 

 tain. When cut through the middle, each portion becomes a 

 distinct individual. And in some worms nearly resembling the 

 earth-worm, but residing in the water, the power of reproduction 

 is nearly equal to that of the polypes. 



The Leech has three jaws, or rather lancets, with which it 

 pierces the skin of animals, in order to suck their blood. Ita tail 



The Horse-leech. 



is furnished with a shallow cup or disk, by which it is able to fix 

 itself firmly to different objects, while obtaining its nourishment 

 in this manner; and by means of the same organ, it moves from 

 place to place. There are several species of the Leech, of which 

 the medicinal Leech is the most valuable, from the use made of it 

 in local blood-letting. The Horse-leech has the same power of 

 drawing blood, but the wounds which it makes are sometimes 

 poisoned, and followed by bad effects. 



The Gordius, or Hair-wobm, is Ipng, shaped like a thread 

 or hair, nearly smooth and round. It is a vulgar notion that the 



