484 SPIDER. 
lUseiigtigiiig themselves from the thread which 
supports them. This curious particular in the 
liistory of Spiders was first observed by Dr. 
Hulse, about the year 1668, and was soon con- 
firmed by Dr. Lister and Mr. Ray. Dr. Lister 
made several very accurate observations on this 
subject, and even ascended some of the highest 
edifices on purpose to observe it, and saw spiders 
sailing as far as the eye could reach above these, 
till at length they vanished from his view. (See 
Phil. Trans. No. 50. p. 1014.) 
