ARANEA. 135 



check the multiplication of an insect, which 

 would otherwise become by far too numerous, 



The eight eyes with which the spider is pro- 

 vided are fixed points, disposed in a different 

 order in different species, insomuch that au- 

 thors have taken advantage of the circumstance, 

 to divide the genus into families. They are hard, 

 smooth, and brilliant, and are always placed 

 on the head, i. e. before the two oblique lines 

 which are seen between the head and the tho- 

 rax. The inconvenience which might arise 

 from their want of motion, is remedied by their 

 number and position, which is well calculated 

 to comprehend every view compatible with 

 the wants or safety of the animal. There is 

 little doubt that the spider can inject a venomous 

 liquor into the wound made with its fangs. 

 Instances, and those related by authors of cre- 

 dit, have occurred, of inflammation succeeding 

 the bite of a spider on the human body. 



The female spider lays a number of eggs, 



of which she takes the greatest care, as well as 



of the young when they are hatched, exposing 



herself to every danger when it becomes ne- 



N 2 



