484 
SUPPLEMENT 
nothing but the hardest parts. It often takes its course 
through the fields to carry on its trade of rapine, but in- 
variably returns to its nest. Coupling takes place during the 
hottest part of summer, or from the month of June to the 
middle of J uly. Towards the end of the month of August, 
the female lays a very considerable quantity of eggs, perfectly 
similar to the seeds of the white poppy- She encloses them 
in a cocoon of white silk, of a very compact tissue, which is 
strongly attached to her anus, and which she always carries 
with her. When the little ones are excluded, the mother 
tears the envelope, to enable them to get out. She carries 
them on her back, and nurses them until the first moulting, 
or until they become sufficiently strong to form an habitation 
for themselves, and provide for their own necessities. “ The 
tarantula,” says Olivier, “ which we have always observed, 
dies at the end of summer, or passes the winter in a lethargic 
state, shut up in its nest, after having closed it exactly, to 
protect itself. It does not come forth until the heat of spring 
is sufficiently strong to re-animate it.” The death, however, of 
this spider is not owing to cold, but to many fortuitous circum- 
stances which kill other spiders that are naturally long lived. 
The mother usually passes the winter with her family under 
the same roof, and dispersion does not take place until the 
return of the fine season. Occasional inclemency, or varia- 
tions of temperature, cause the destruction of a great number 
of these young individuals. 
They may be seen, in the first fine days, at the end of 
March, issuing from their dwelling, to enjoy the gentle heat 
of the sun, and making excursions, but of short duration. The 
slightest zephyr is sufficient to cause the family to re-enter its 
habitation. At the end of the second winter, the tarantula has 
acquired about one-third of its proper size, and it is not until 
the third year that its growth is terminated. The duration of 
their existence may be very considerable ; but the heavy rains 
