The Life of the Spider 



she has left for the moment and has a dif- 

 ficulty in finding. 



Why these rambles? There are two rea- 

 sons: first the pairing and then the making 

 of the pill. There is a lack of space in the 

 burrow, which provides only room enough 

 for the Spider engaged in long contempla- 

 tion. Now the preparations for the egg-bag 

 require an extensive flooring, a supporting 

 frame-work about the size of one's hand, as 

 my caged prisoner has shown us. The Lycosa 

 has not so much space at her disposal, in her 

 well; hence the necessity for coming out and 

 working at her wallet in the open air, doubt- 

 less in the quiet hours of the night. 



The meeting with the male seems likewise 

 to demand an excursion. Running the risk of 

 being eaten alive, will he venture to plunge 

 into his lady's cave, into a lair whence flight 

 would be impossible? It is very doubtful. 

 Prudence demands that matters should take 

 place outside. Here at least there is some 

 chance of beating a hasty retreat which will 

 enable the rash swain to escape the attacks of 

 his horrible bride. 



The interview in the open air lessens the 

 danger without removing it entirely. We 



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