NAYSSER (A. B.). - Lot 227

NAYSSER (A. B.). Naturalist. Letter from the author, "A. B. Naysser," to "Doctor." Cannes, July 18, 1874. 2 pages, in-8 format (½ double sheet), on graph paper, written in cursive with ink, autograph signature. An interesting scientific letter concerning the shipment and observation of arachnid specimens (spiders, tarantulas, scorpions). In response to a prior request, the author announces the shipment: “…five vials of spiders, plus a wooden box containing a live spider with its web and eggs…” He describes the species’ lifestyle in detail: “It inhabits granitic terrain under rocks… it anchors its web at five points… I believe it is nocturnal…” The letter continues with observations on: - the tarantula (Tarantula narbonensis, burrowing habits, seasonal behavior) - the difficulties of capturing them during hot weather - empirical methods (farmers, plowing) - a small species of scorpion, found under rocks and bark in damp areas: “…I found them under the bark of rotten trees… never in the sun…”