4 AUGUST 1939, Page 6

A week or two ago the Zoo had in its

possession two Black Widow spiders, the bite of which is fatal to human beings. Since then, I understand, the pair have had issue to the number of about fifty, and the young are as deadly as their parents. At present all are in safe custody, but an air-raid might have the effect of loosing them, and other beasts and insects not much less noxious, on the surrounding neighbour- hood. Might—but in fact will not, for the Zoo authorities have foreseen that possibility. In the event of war every dangerous animal at Regent's Park will be destroyed, and the rest evacuated to Whipsnade. It is a pity the fifty Merry Widows could not be forwarded to Herr Hitler.