FLEA. 35S 
were it not for the care the flea takes to 
place them at the roots of the hair on 
various animals, such as dogs and cats, 
or between the feathers upon birds. 
Lucy. What ! are the pretty little 
birds tormented by fleas also ? 
Mother, Pigeons, and most large 
birds, have vast quantities of fleas ; and 
1 believe few species are exempt from 
them. The eggs are hatched in about 
^ix days ; the worms are white and shin 
ing, like mother of pearl ; they have no 
feet, but the tail is armed with two 
small hooks, by which they probably se- 
cure themselves to the skin of the animal 
upon which they live. They have two 
short antennae, and on their bodies grow 
a few hairs, thinly set. 
Lucy. Do they remain long iii this 
larva state before they become fleas ? 
Mother. About a fortnight ; at the 
end of that time they arrive at their full 
size, and are very active, lively little 
maggots. They can creep very swiftly, 
with a motion like that of the silk worm. 
