142 APTEltA. 



sumes that this scorpion is confined in Spain 

 within the limits above mentioned, and does 

 not think it inhabits a greater height than 150 

 toises above the level of the sea, since the moun- 

 tains of Porta-Cceli, situated six leagues to the 

 west of Valentia, although within the zone of 

 the reddish scorpion, but on an elevation fa- 

 vourable to the propagation of sub-alpine plants, 

 did not show, notwithstanding the strictest 

 search, any trace of this animal. The Euro- 

 pean scorpion is obliged to submit in the same 

 manner to the influence of soil and tempera- 

 ture. In France, this creature begins to show 

 itself about the latitude of 44 degrees, or under 

 the zone where the almond and pomegranate 

 are cultivated, and is lost in those northern limits 

 which are favourable to the propagation of the 

 olive. 



The scorpion lives a solitary life : seldom but 

 one, and never more than two are found under 

 the same stone, or within the same hole. When 

 they quit their retreat in search of food, which 

 is commonly in the evening, or during the night, 

 they carry their pincers advanced, and trail 



