346 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
has none, but is entirely a creeping insect, and is obliged to 
wait the approaches of her capricious companion. The body 
of the female has eleven joints, with a shield breast-plate, the 
shape of which is oval ; the head is placed over this, and i3 
very small, and the three last joints of her body are of a 
yellowish colour; but what distinguishes it From all other 
animals, at least in this part of the world, is the shining light 
which it emits by night, and which is supposed by some 
philosophers to be an emanation which she sends forth to 
allure the male to her company. 
Most travellers, who have gone through sandy countries, 
must well remember the little shining sparks with which the 
ditches are studded on each side of the road. If incited by 
curiosity to approach more nearly, he will find the light sent 
forth by the glow-worm ; if he should keep the little animal 
for some time, its light continues to grow paler, and at last 
appears totally extinct. 
The canlharis is of the beetle kind, whence come cantha- 
rides, well known in the shops by the name of Spanish dies, 
and for their use in blisters. They have feelers like bristles, 
flexible cases to the wings, a breast pretty plain, and the sides 
of the belly wrinkled. Cantharides differ from each other 
in their size, shape, and colour, those used in the shops also 
do the same. The largest in these parts are about an inch 
long, and as much in circumference, but others are not above 
three quarters of an inch. Some are of a pure azure colour, 
others of pure gold, and others again, have a mixture of pure 
gold and azure colours ; but they are all very brilliant, and 
extremely beautiful. These insects, as is well known, are of 
the greatest benefit to mankind, making a part in many me- 
dicines conducive to human preservation. They are chiefly 
natives of Spain, Italy, and Portugal ; but they are to be met 
with also about Paris in the summer time, upon the leaves 
of the ash, the poplar, and the rose-trees, and also among 
wheat, and in meadows. 
We are told, that the country people expect the return of 
these insects every seven years. It is certain, that such a 
number of them have been seen together in the air, that they 
appeared like swarms of bees ; and that they have so dis- 
agreeable a smell, that it may be perceived a great way oflj 
especially about sun-set, though they are not seen at that 
time. This bad smell is a guide for those who make it their 
business to catch them ; when they are caught, they dry 
them : after which they are so light, that fifty will hardly 
weigh a drachm. Those that gather them, tie them in a bag, 
or a piece of linen cloth, that has been well worn, and then 
