472 
GNAT. 
The head is decorated with a beautiful plumage, and 
the body covered with scales and hair, which at once 
defend her from humidity and cold. 
But the most curious part about this little crea- 
ture, and that which constitutes the only inconve- 
nience we receive from it, is the trunk, which is 
well calculated to excite our admiration. It is won- 
derfully formed, and at the same time so minute 
that it requires an excellent microscope to give us a 
just view of its extremity. The trunk consists of 
a case composed of long scales, which the gnat car- 
ries under her throat ; from an opening in which, 
at about the distance of two-thirds of its extent, she 
lanches four darts, and then returns them into her 
quiver; one of these darts, pointed and active as 
it is, performs the office of a new case to the other 
three, which have their sides sharpened in the most 
exquisite manner, and barbed towards the point, 
which is a little hooked and of inexpressible fine- 
ness, These spiculae, or stings, are darted at once 
into the flesh of the animal whose blood they mean 
to regale on; and the wounds which they make, 
together with a small quantity of liquor which they 
are said to inject in the place at the same time, 
cause the inflammation and itching which are so 
generally complained of by those who are gnat- 
bitten. When the insect has made her orifice, she 
sucks the blood through her trunk, and, if undis- 
turbed, will continue her sanguinary employment 
till she swells from repletion, and has completely 
gorged herself. 
