The animal as soon as killed is cut up into different portions, each of
which is placed for a few minutes in a large vessel containing an
infusion of a certain herb, to which flies and winged insects of all
kinds have a great antipathy. The steeping of the meat into this
preparation effectually protects it against their approach. There are
immense numbers of winged insects in our climate, but none will approach
food which has been steeped in an infusion of this herb. By these and
other precautions they are kept within certain limits and driven to the
uses for which nature intended them. It is not necessary to keep the
meat in the vessel for more than a few minutes, nor does the liquid
deteriorate the quality or taste of the meat. Far from being noxious to
the human race, the herb, which is free from smell, contains a healthy
bitter, is cooling and refreshing, and cleanses and preserves the pores
of the skin.
Formerly numbers of persons were affected by the deposits, which, left
by flies on meats and provisions generally, caused irritation of the
bowels, diarrhoea, and vomit, and were otherwise very injurious to the
system.
I may here mention that a preparation of the herb to which I have
referred is used for fruits and provisions generally, which are
protected by a light gauze steeped in an infusion of the herb and thrown
loosely over them; though, indeed, it is only necessary to place the
gauze at the side of the provisions to prevent the approach of the
enemy.
This infusion is also used in our houses, and during repasts; couches,
bedding, and coverings are sprinkled with the liquid. A preparation is
also used for the toilette, in order to protect the head and face from
the flies.