220 THE TROPICAL WORLD. 



the head, is merely a convulsive movement ; but the opinion of 

 those who are inclined to bring in the verdict ' Felo de se ' is 

 corroborated by Captain Pasley, K.A., who repeatedly tried the 

 experiment of surrounding the scorpion with a ring of fire, and 

 invariably found that it had stung itself to death. The fiery 

 circle was about fifteen inches in diameter and composed of 

 smouldering aslies. In every instance the scorpion ran about 

 for some minutes, trying to escape, and then deliberately bent 

 its tail over its back, inserted the point of its sting between 

 two of the segments of his body and speedily died. The heat 

 given out by the ashes was very trifling and not equal to that 

 which is caused by the noontide sun, a temperature which the 

 scorpion certainly does not like, but which it can endure 

 without suffering much inconvenience. Grenerally the scorpion 

 was dead in a few minutes after the wound was inflicted. 



Of a ferocious cruel disposition, the scorpions are not only the 

 foes of. all other animals, but carry on a war of extermination 

 among themselves, and are even said to kill and devour their own 

 progeny, without pity, as soon as they are born ; thus rendering 

 good service to the community at large. Maupertuis once 

 inclosed a hundred scorpions — a select and delightful party — in 

 a box. Immediately a furious battle ensued — one against all, 

 all against one — and in an hour's time scarcely one of the 

 combatants survived the conflict. 



CTCLOMMATUS TATiAXDUS (BORNEO). 



