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SUPPLEMENT 
The araneides, that cause so great a destruction of flies 
and other insects, are not without their enemies. Birds, and 
some insects feed their young with them. Many species of 
wasps, the sphenges , carry them off from the middle of their 
webs to bring them to their larvae. The slightest wound which 
a spider receives, effectually puts it out of all condition for 
battle, and it dies in a short time after having received it. 
According to the observations of Homberg, the domestic 
spiders are subject to a malady which makes them appear 
hideous. Their body becomes covered with scales, bristling 
one above the other, and among which species of mites are 
discovered. When the spider walks, it shakes itself, and 
throws off part of the scales and of the insects. This malady 
seldom occurs to the spiders of cold countries. The author 
whom we have cited, says, that he has never observed it but 
in those which are found in the kingdom of Naples. 
The body of the araneides is in general hairy, with colours 
most frequently sombre, and forms far from agreeable ; women, 
children, and even men, have an insurmountable repugnance 
to them. This aversion is not founded merely on the ugliness 
of these animals ; it is also caused by the opinion that their 
bites are dangerous*, Many authors, in fact, relate, that dif- 
ferent persons have died after having been bitten by them. 
Other testimonies, however, combat the preceding. Clerk 
and Lebon, who were often bitten by araneides, assure us that 
they never felt any other inconvenience from their wounds 
than what might be occasioned by gnats, and some insects, 
whose stings produce upon the skin a trifling inflammation 
and itching. Degeer is also of opinion, that the araneides 
of Europe are formidable only to flies and other insects. 
With regard to the pretended mortal bite of the tarantula, a 
species of lycosa, which is found in the most southern parts 
of France, and in Italy, of which so many authors have made 
mention, and on which Baglivi has more especially written ; 
