OF SERPENTS. 
259 
LEECH. 
Tho Leech is about three inches long, 
and bears some resemblance to the worm in 
its exterior form. Its mouth is curiously 
constructed, having neither jaws, teeth, nor 
tongue ; but it has a kind of snout, which 
is soft, by which means it adheres closely 
to different substances, and thus draws the 
blood upon which it feeds. Its back is 
covered with spots of a yellowish colour; 
the belly is reddish, with faint spots of 
yellow. They are commonly found in 
rivulets and brooks. Their ejections are 
performed by perspiration. The Leech is 
considered very useful in extracting blood 
from the human frame, as it generally does 
it with ease, safety, and success. There 
are Horse Leeches, also, which are larger 
tliun the common Leeches. 
