182 ARTICULATES: INSECTS. 



ness like the outside of the cocoon of the Cecropia 

 Moth, and the vase is fastened on to the vine by a vast 

 number of threads of silk passing from one side of the 

 vase to the otlier around the vine ; and the threads 

 are so nicely arranged that the vase cannot turn nor 

 slip from its place. On opening this curious structure, 

 it was found to be filled with the finest silk and a great 

 number of newly-hatched spiders. This rare and won- 

 derful specimen of spider-building and of spider-case 

 for its young was presented to the Zoological Cabinet 

 of Vassar College by S. M. Buckingham, Esq., of Pough- 

 keepsie. New York. 



SCORPIONS. 



The Scorpions are confined to warm regions, and live 

 among ruins of buildings, under rubbish, and some- 

 times in houses. They have a long body ending in a 



Fig. 342. — Scorpion. 



curved, sharp sting, with which they inflict dangeroiis 

 and sometimes fatal wounds. They can run quite rap- 

 idly, and can bend the hind body or tail in any direc- 

 tion, and use it both for attack and defence. The one 

 here figured is found in Texas. 



