As we are speaking of "scratching" we will mention the itch mite, which we
propose to give particular--sulphur--in this chapter.
[Illustration: THE ITCH MITE.]
The animal which makes one love to scratch is from one sixteenth to one
seventeenth of an inch in length, and may be seen with the naked eye if
the eye is sharp enough to "see it."
The luxury of scratching is said to greatly compensate for the filthy
disease known as the "itch."
Dr. Ellitson says "a Scotch king--viz., James I.--is alleged to have said
that no subject deserved to have the itch--none but Royalty--on account of
the great pleasure derived from scratching." The king was said to have
spoken from experience.
In these days of filthy horse-cars (we are speaking of New York), this
fact may be interesting to passengers.