CAN THE MOSQUITO BE EXTERMINATED V 145 



ing facts in natural history ; and if it shall fail to reach 

 its objective point, it will at least have enlightened the 

 nation somewhat as to the real character of one of the 

 most beautiful and serviceable inhabitants of our insect 

 world. 



I now come to another natural enemy of the mosquito, 

 concerning whose habits I can speak with something more 

 of autht)rity. The spider is Nature's chief check against 

 the undue increase of insects. Despised Arachne is en- 

 titled l)y her services to occupy the chief place among 

 invertebrate philanthropists. It is, I nn'glit almost say, 

 absolutely harmless to mankind. With the exception of 

 an occasional alleged " spider bite " issuing in suffering 

 or death, and delivered by the traditional and indefinite 

 "black spider," I know of no evil that can be charged 

 against the spider. True, as, long ago, the wise Proverb- 

 ialist said, "She taketh hold with hands, and is in king's 

 palaces." She builds her cobwebs in our homes, but 

 there is no harm in that. If one will take the pains 

 to study the cobwebs, they will be found beautiful struct- 

 nres ; and, at all events, the housewife can brush them 

 away without encouraging hatred for the harmless creat- 

 ure that makes them. For, be it considered, the spider 

 only comes into our homes because mosquitoes and other 

 insects also come ! She comes, not seeking to harm us, 

 but to help us ; and, therefore, for the sake of her motive, 

 if she be not welcome, let her, at least, be thought of 

 kindly. 



The number of insects of all sorts and sizes destroyed 

 by spiders simply passes calculation. If one will walk 

 out on a dev/y morning, with his eyes open for spider 

 webs, he will be surprised to find how many thei-c are, 



