SPI library lacks defaults info.

Using Arduino Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

I suggest that information on the defaults for setDataMode and setBitOrder, etc be added to the library manual for the SPI library.
Mads

2

Usually the lack of information on the default of a value means: don't count on it and set it explicitly. In the case of the SPI library I would strongly suggest to always set these two value even when the current default is the value you need.

3

Whatever the defaults are, they work great for MAX7219, MAX7221, 74HC595, and TPIC6B595.
The most I've ever done was slow down the clock some for a Microchip ADC or DAC, I forget which one.