4S4 SUPPLEMENT 



nothing but the hardest parts. It often takes its course 

 through the fields to carry on its trade of rapine, but in- 

 variably returns to its nest. Coupling takes place during the 

 hottest part of summer, or from the month of June to the 

 middle of July. Towards the end of the month of August, 

 the female lays a very considei'able quantity of eggs, perfectly 

 similar to the seeds of the white poppy. She encloses them 

 in a cocoon of white silk, of a very compact tissue, which is 

 strongly attached to her anus, and which she always canies 

 with her. When the little ones are excluded, the mother 

 tears the envelope, to enable them to get out. She carries 

 them on her back, and nurses them until the first moulting, 

 or until they become sufficiently strong to form an habitation 

 for themselves, and provide for their own necessities. " The 

 tarantula," says Olivier, " which we have always observed, 

 dies at the end of summer, or passes the winter in a lethargic 

 state, shut up in its nest, after having closed it exactly, to 

 protect itself. It does not come forth until the heat of spring 

 is sufficiently strong to re-animate it." The death, however, of 

 this spider is not owing to cold, but to many fortuitous circum- 

 stances which kill other spiders that are naturally long lived. 

 The mother usually passes the winter with her family under 

 the same roof, and dispersion does not take place until the 

 return of the fine season. Occasional inclemency, or varia- 

 tions of temperature, cause the destruction of a great number 

 of these young individuals. 



They may be seen, in the first fine days, at the end of 

 March, issuing from their dwelling, to enjoy the gentle heat 

 of the sun, and making excursions, but of short duration. The 

 slightest zephyr is sufficient to cause the family to re-enter its 

 habitation. At the end of the second winter, the tarantula has 

 acquired about one-third of its proper size, and it is not until 

 the third year that its growth is terminated. The duration of 

 their existence may be very considerable ; but the heavy rains 



