368 Correspondence . [June, 
spider is always ready to kill and eat a weaker individual, even 
of the same species. 
Nor is the weaker sex always treated with kindness by the 
stronger. The domestic cock sometimes takes a dislike to a 
particular hen, and in such cases he beats, and even kills her. 
An ill-tempered bull has been known to gore a cow. Among 
American deer the male has been observed tyrannising over the 
female. Prof. Semper relates a similar case concerning a pair of 
prairie-dogs which he keeps in his house. Among spiders, where 
the female is the stronger, the male often serves as a nuptial 
banquet for his spouse. 
Hence there is not in this respedt that absolute contrast which 
the noble author seems to assume. — I am, &c., 
Scrutator. 
