SCORPION. 
531 
where it increased in size till it was strong enough 
to become the aggressor in its turn, and kill the old 
one. 
These animals are viviparous, and bring forth a 
great number at a time, which at first are white, 
but soon become of a dusky colour. They are said 
to cast their skins from time to time, and to live 
chiefly on worms and insects, with which, if they 
are well provided, they will live in a state of con- 
finement for a considerable time* 
Many idle stories have been told about the 
scorpion, and some ridiculous remedies proposed to 
cure the effects of the sting. The most popular of 
the former is, that when driven to extremity he 
will destroy himself ; and we are very gravely told 
by those who ought to be superior to such cre- 
dulity, that a scorpion, surrounded by burning 
coals, will become so exasperated upon finding it 
impossible to escape, that he will sting himself on 
the back of the head and instantly expire. 
Scorpions not only frequent the most neglected 
places, and lurk Under rotten wood and stones, but 
also enter inhabited houses, and sometimes hide 
themselves about the furniture ; it therefore behoves 
a person, in those climates where they are common, 
to , look carefully about the place where he intends 
to seat himself, as accidents have frequently hap- 
pened from carelessness in this respect. The animal 
is so bold and irascible that he hardly waits to be 
provoked, and often inflicts his sting before the per- 
son is aware of his danger. . 
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