There are two varieties of LEECHES used in this country, the American and the foreign. The latter differs from the former in having five or six stripes down its back instead of three, and it will draw from five to six times its own weight of blood as it is larger and more voracious than the American variety. The domestic variety is sometimes preferred for children, as it will draw a sufficient amount of blood usually. Leeches should not be applied over any large vessel, and preferably should be over a bony surface where pressure can be made to stop the blood if it continues to run. The leech should not be handled, it may be washed and dried in the folds of a towel. To induce them to bite, the part to which they are to be applied must be perfectly clean, and it may be best to pick or scratch the skin so that the leech has first a taste of blood; or you may put the leech in a wine glass, test tube, leech glass, or small bottle filled with water; cover with a cord and invert over the place; hold it close and slip out the paper. The leech will then probably take hold and the glass can be taken off, and the water absorbed by a towel. If one is to be applied inside the mouth or nostril, put a thread through its tail to prevent its being swallowed. If such an accident should occur have the patient drink freely of salt and water, and induce vomiting. If the leech seems sluggish when applied stroke it gently with a dry towel. When full it will drop off. If you wish to take them off sooner, do not remove by force, but put a little salt on their heads. If the bleeding from the orifice continues too long it may be checked by a compress of lint, an application of ice, or by touching with nitrate of silver, or carbolic acid. Leeches not used may be kept in a jar of water with sand in the bottom, and a perforated cover, or it may be covered with a linen cloth. The water in which they are kept should be changed twice a week in winter and oftener in summer. Salt will make a leech disgorge the blood with which it is filled, but if kept afterwards it is liable to be diseased, and to cause disease in those that are with it. By FOMENTATIONS or stupes is commonly meant the application of flannels or towels wet with hot water or some medicinal decoction. If hot water only is used, they are a convenient means of applying warmth and moisture, but they require constant attention, needing to be changed every ten or fifteen minutes. They are chiefly of use in relieving pain and inflammation, and in promoting suppuration when that is desirable.