256 Eocpedttion to the 



ed by dozens up our leggins. Wherever they effected a 

 lodgment upon the skin, their numerous punctures would 

 cause an intolerable itching sensation that bid defiance to 

 repose. In the evening, in addition to the needful process of 

 drying our clothing and blankets, we had ample employment 

 in scratching, and picking the pestiferous arachnides from our 

 bodies. On entering the water for relief, the disagreeable 

 sensation seemed to be mitigated for a time, only to be aug- 

 mented on our return to the atmosphere. Mosquitoes, 

 which were also abundant, were readily expelled from our 

 tents by the smoke of burning wood; but the ticks, otherwise 

 constituted, frustrated our endeavours to obtain the necessary 

 rest and sleep during the night. 



These ticks are of two different species, and in common 

 with other species inhabiting different parts of the United 

 States, are distinguished by the name of seed ticks, probably 

 on account of their small size, when compared with others 

 of the same genus. 



The larger of the two kinds* may be compared, in point of 

 transverse diameter, to the head of a small sized pin, but 

 the other one is so much smaller, as to elude the sight, ex- 

 cepting on minute inspection. 



The Cherokee Indians frequently visit this vicinity, on 

 hunting excursions, and our guide informs us, that a hunt- 

 ing party of that nation is at present encamped at the mouth 

 of this Bayou, at the distance of two and a half miles from 

 our camp. 



Sth. The face of the country presents the same appearance 

 with that we passed over yesterday, offering, in the arrange- 



* Ixodes molestus. S. BoJy reddish-brown, punctured, orbicular, very 

 slightly approaching ovate; scutus rounded or subangular, hardly attain- 

 ing the middle of the body, and with two distant, indented, longitudinal 

 lines; tergum with about lour dilated black distant radii behind the mid- 

 dle, margin from near the middle of the side with ten or twelve impress- 

 ed acute, equal, equidistant lines, which do not crenate the edge or upper 

 surface. 



Length rather more than one twentieth of an inch. 



