THE BUG. 
43 * 
burning, it will feldora venture from its hiding place. 
As foon, however, as darknefs promifes fecurity, it iftues 
from every crevice, drops from the roof, or crawls from 
behind the arras ; and unhappy is the patient to whom 
thefe creatures dired their courfe. There are feme per- 
fons whom they do not bite ; but fuch as are feleded for 
their repaft are foon covered with wounds, which fwell 
to a conftderable bulk, and are often painful. In vain the 
fufferer endeavours to relieve himfelf, or avenge his 
wrongs, by killing fome or driving others away : famiih- 
ed multitudes renew the attack, and occupy their place ; 
while, in the meantime, the bed becomes infupporta le 
by their naufeous fmcll ; nothing remains for him, but 
to make a timely retreat, otherwife he will be disfigured 
and fwolen with their wounds, and fpend in reftlels agi- 
tation thofe hours in which the weary are deitined to 
reft, and even the wretched to forget their forrows. 
The retreats of the houfe bug, in its wild ftate in the 
fields, are unknown : About a century ago, it was fcarce- 
ly feen in Britain-, and happily for the inhabitants, it 
multiplies lefs in this country than almoft any part of 
the continent. Throughout France, Italy, and Spain, 
the beds in mod of the inns fwarm with bugs ; and every 
piece of furniture feems to afford them a retreat. They 
acquire a greater fize in proportion as the climate is 
warmer; they are more a&ive, and bite with a more 
cruel appetite. There the weary traveller, who is fub- 
jedt to be bitten, Temains the whole night like a centmel 
upbnduty; and, infiead of inviting the approaches of 
fleep, watches the attacks of innumerable invaders, who 
are ready to gorge themlelves with his blood *. 
, ThO 
* Goldimith’s Nat. Hill. Vol. VII. p. 
