The Flea 
65 
upon animal substances. When they have 
been in this larval state for about twelve 
days, they form a little silky cocoon and 
rest, when after another fourteen days 
the perfect flea issues forth ready for 
work. 
In Great Britain there are about seven- 
teen different species of fleas, differing 
slightly in size and colouring, and varying, 
too, in the places they inhabit, and the 
animals which they infest. The “ Chigoe” 
or “ Jigger ” of the West Indies and South 
America, is a type of this insect which is 
much dreaded. It works its way on to 
some part of the human body, and most 
often to the feet, sometimes getting under- 
neath the toe-nail. The insect, after getting 
into position, will deposit eggs there, and 
unless quickly removed, will cause violent 
irritation, succeeded by ulceration and 
poisoning which has not infrequently 
resulted in terrible suffering and subsequent 
death. 
That even the most cleanly people are 
caused annoyance, sometimes, by the 
presence of a flea on their persons is an 
undeniable fact, but, nevertheless, the 
