127 



It is therefore as far as this experiment goes conclusive, 

 that workers, taken as these were from a nest which had been 

 living in community with males, do lay eggs, and that from them 



they can produce males and queens. 



J. EDWARD TANNEK. 

 21st November, 1892. 



BITE OF THE TARANTULA (MYGALE) SPIDEH. 



At the last meeting of the Club, Mr. Mole in speaking 

 of this Spider, stated that there was some doubt as to 

 the effect of its bite. The following of which I was an eye- 

 witness may be of some interest. Early in the year I had a 

 gang clearing some land after burning, and on visiting them one 

 afternoon I saw a black tarantula dart from a heap of bush and 

 deliberately bite one of the prisoners on his heel and then 

 scamper away which it did with safety to itself, for chase was 

 made after it. The spider doubtless was in an angry mood at' 

 being disturbed in perhaps a favourite haunt for food and shelter. 

 The bite Avas given in all earnest and drew blood, about two or 

 three drops. We know the thickness of the skin of a labourer's 

 foot, it will almost resist an auger, yet the spider managed to 

 penetrate, so it may safely be asserted it Avas in earnest. Im- 

 mediately the bite was given a shout went up " the man is 

 bitten by a big black spider, a tarantula." This made the 

 bitton one almost frantic Avith fright and he cried 2^iteously, 

 " Me God, me go die in gaol, me God," &c. I took him to the 

 infirmary some oOO yards distant and the sufferer carried his 

 heel ill his hand, i.e. hopped all the way. I had his foot 

 fomented with hot water and applied Spirits of Ammonia with 

 the addition of a little liquid Ammonia, and gave him a dose of 

 Ether mixture. I endeavoured to calm his feelings and made 

 him lie down. About 2 hours afterwards he ate his dinner 

 heartily and slept well at night. He complained of no pain ix\ 

 the morning and went to work as usual. There Avas no local 

 swelling or inflammation and but little pain at any time. Fright 

 Avas the only ill effect. 



