VENOMS IN THE ANIMAL SERIES 277 
cavities, each of which is completely filled by the gland. They are 
separated from each other by a muscular septum formed of striated 
fibres inserted in the chitinous skeleton ; by the contraction of this 
septum the animal is enabled to eject its venom. 
The scorpion never stings backwards, but always in front of 
itself. It delivers stabs with its sting in two distinct ways. For 
Fic. 97.— Scorpio occitanus. (After Joyeux-Lafiuie.) 
1, Scorpion seizing a spider, and piercing it with its sting (natural size); 2, 
extremity of the abdomen (telson) enlarged, showing the poison-apparatus ; 3, poison- 
apparatus detached from the abdomen, showing an isolated poison-gland. 
the purpose of defending itself from attack it elevates its abdomen 
into a bow, and then regains its former position by suddenly unbend- 
ing it. To strike an animal, such as a spider, which serves it for 
food, the scorpion seizes it with its pincers and holds it as in a vice. 
Then it raises its abdomen, brings the end of it close to its captive, 
