Page:McCosh, John - Advice to Officers in India (1856).djvu/109

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IN INDIA.
89

enables them to enter curtains where a mosquito would not penetrate; and a thin covering of silk, or cotton or woollen gives no protection, for their fangs penetrate them all. A mosquito is a trifle to it, a bug or a flea easily repelled in comparison. More sleep is lost by this little wretch than by all other domestic plagues put together, and nothing but a punkah gives one a chance of a night's sleep.

Next to the sand-flies, the crickets are the great annoyance; they keep up a deafening chatter all night long;nor are they free from offence, but gratify their palates upon most things that lie about the room; boots and shoes, brushes,combs, backs of books and leather and cloth of most kinds; nay, I believe, they attack the very nails of our toes and fingers, for I never could account for the notches being made in any other way.

Next in precedence of annoyance comes a species of insect known from their shape by the name of "fish." They are equally modest and retiring as the sand-fly and the cricket, but do not prey upon humanity. Their particular taste lies in dress coats and warm clothing, paper, and pastry work and furriery; and, unless the owner is constantly on the alert and musters his wardrobe, he will most likely require a new outfit next cold season, when he comes to stand muster himself.

5. OF BURMAH.—The climate of Burmah resem-