XIV EFFECTS OF POISON 363 



terror which is locally inspired by the first-named species, whose 

 bite is 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 

 followed by a condition of syncope which lasted two days. 



A Xew Zealand species is known by the natives as the Katipo. 

 It is of about the size of a pea, and almost black in colour. 

 ilr. 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. Eelief 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 



1 nist. de la grande ile de Madagascar, 1658, p. 156. 

 2 Science Gossip, 1877, p. 46. ' Insect Life, i., 1889, p. 205. 



