like a dog's, its body is ſcaled and ſpotted like a toad's, it has four legs, which are claw-footed, and on each toe a ſharp, crooked nail, like a bird's; it laſhes with its tail, which drops from its body on the ſlighteſt touch; and its whole appearance is very diſguſting.
They are commonly not more than three or four inches in length, but ſome are rather larger. Some ſay, that they fix their nails ſo faſt in the fleſh of thoſe on whom they chance to fall, as not to be removed without cutting them out: others recommend throwing dry ſand on the part, which diſengages their nails, when they are eaſily ſhaken off. However, I never knew any injury happen from the wood-ſlave; I have had them drop on my cloaths from the cielings of rooms, where they are uſually to be ſeen in the evening, in ſearch of food. They are great enemies to ſpiders and cock-roaches, and they make a noiſe which ſomewhat reſembles the cackling of a hen.
