Page:The History of the Island of Dominica.djvu/67

 like a dog's, its body is caled and potted like a toad's, it has four legs, which are claw-footed, and on each toe a harp, crooked nail, like a bird's; it lahes with its tail, which drops from its body on the lightet touch; and its whole appearance is very diguting.

They are commonly not more than three or four inches in length, but ome are rather larger. Some ay, that they fix their nails o fat in the fleh of thoe on whom they chance to fall, as not to be removed without cutting them out: others recommend throwing dry and on the part, which diengages their nails, when they are eaily haken off. However, I never knew any injury happen from the wood-lave; I have had them drop on my cloaths from the cielings of rooms, where they are uually to be een in the evening, in earch of food. They are great enemies to piders and cock-roaches, and they make a noie which omewhat reembles the cackling of a hen. The