XIV EFFECTS OF POISON 363 
terror which is locally inspired by the first-named species, whose 
bite 1s believed to be fatal unless measures are promptly taken 
to counteract the poison. They sometimes cauterise the wound, 
but the usual treatment consists in inducing profuse perspiration 
—a method of cure which recalls the Tarantula dance of Southern 
Europe. Flacourt' mentions the Vancoho as the most dangerous 
animal of Madagascar, and more formidable than the scorpion. 
He relates cases among his own negroes where the bite was 
foliowed by a condition of syncope which lasted two days. 
A New Zealand species is known by the natives as the Katipo. 
It is of about the size of a pea, and almost black in colour. 
Mr. Meek of Waiwera gives a most circumstantial account of 
the effect of its bite upon his‘son.*” During the four days which 
followed the bite he suffered excruciating pain, which spread 
from his leg to the spine, arms, and chest, and he lost twelve 
pounds in weight. Relef was obtained by frequent doses of 
brandy and the use of a liniment. 
The natives of New Zealand have a great horror of this 
spider, but hold the curious belief that its death will ensure the 
cure of any one it may have bitten. If unable to find it, they 
will burn the house down rather than allow it to escape. Their 
dread, however, is confined to a variety which lives among the 
sedge of the sea-beach, and they carefully avoid sleeping in such 
places. 
Two of the best authenticated cases of serious results ensuing 
from the bite of a spider of this genus come from North Carolina.’ 
A farm labourer in the employ of Mr. John Dick of Greens- 
borough was bitten by Latrodectus mactans about half-past eight 
in the morning, and died between ten and eleven o'clock at night. 
Small pimples were raised in the neighbourhood of the bite, but 
no puncture was discernible. Intermittent pains and spasms 
ended in a comatose condition from which he did not rally. 
The man appeared previously to be in perfect health. 
Another man on Mr. Dick’s farm was bitten by the same 
species of spider. He resumed work, but a spasm of pain caused 
him to mount his horse and endeavour to ride home, but he fell 
off, and lay in a state of unconsciousness. He was found in this 
condition by a fellow-workman, and taken home. Large quantities 
l Hist. de la grande tle de Madagascar, 1658, p. 156. 
2 Science Gossip, 1877, p. 46. 3 Insect Life, i., 1889, p. 205. 
