126 COLEOPTERA. 
chiefly used as an external application. 
You have heard of a blistering plaster ? 
Lucy, Oh yes, I have seen one, and 
it was full of little bright green specks, 
that were very shining. 
Mother, Those shining specks were 
small particles of these beetles, Avhich 
were bruised and mixed with the proper 
ointment. They are often called Spanish 
flies, as if this species was peculiar to 
Spain ; but they are found in many other 
countries, sometimes in England, about 
the ash trees, and the best are brought 
from Italy. 
Now, my love, we must quit this 
amusing subject, till to-morrow. I must 
attend to your sister Fanny, and you may 
put on your bonnet^ and tie up my car- 
nations. 
