Lathrodectus for size. Your surmise that specimens of two or three
times the normal size would be dangerous to life is undoubtedly
correct, and selected breeding to that end should be conducted only
under adequate scientific safeguards. A Lathrodectus mactans with
fangs large enough to penetrate the skin of the hand, and a double
or triple supply of venom, would be, perhaps, more deadly than a
cobra.

The symptoms of poisoning by this species are spasms, similar to
those of trismus, and agonizing general pains. There are no local
symptoms, except, in some cases, a circle of small pustules about
the bitten spot.

Commercially, the Lathrodectus has value, in that the poison is used
in certain affections of the heart. For details, I would refer you
to the Denny Laboratories of St. Louis, Mo., which are purchasers of
the venom.

The species is very susceptible to cold, and would hardly survive a
severe frost. It frequents woodpiles and outhouses. Yours truly,

L. O. HOWARD,
Chief of Bureau.

"Then Ross was sneaking down here at night and putting the spiders
which he had got from Professor Moseley through my keyhole, in the
hope that sooner or later one of them would get me," said Dorr.

"A very reasonable expectation, too. Vide, the dogs," returned
Average Jones.