Note 32 — HUNTING A HOME IN BRAZIL. (continued 7)

This troublesome fly is found to a greater or less extent in various parts of the country, and seems to attack some animals in a herd in preference to others. There may be something in the particular stock of cattle rendering them more liable than others, and it seems that those in the best condition are generally more exempt; but this may be an effect rather than a cause, as the presence of these festering points over a large portion of the surface must prevent the animal from thriving that is so affected.

One of these insects imbedded its germ in two points upon my person, and I subsequently extracted a rough ugly-looking sort of worm from one of the places, which was near my shoulder, and consequently under the clothing. It is a mystery as to how the fly could deposit the germ through a flannel shirt, which was worn at the time. This result is liable to occur with children in localities where the fly prevails, and I have no fancy for living amongst them.