The Narbonne Lycosa 



had proof of this when we caught the Lycosa 

 in the act of devouring her lover above 

 ground, in a part of the enclosure which had 

 been broken for planting and which was 

 therefore not suitable for the Spider's es- 

 tablishment. The burrow must have been 

 some way off; and the meeting of the pair 

 took place at the very spot of the tragic catas- 

 trophe. Although he had a clear road, the 

 male was not quick enough in getting away 

 and was duly eaten. 



After this cannibal orgy, does the Lycosa 

 go back home? Perhaps not, for a while. 

 Besides, she would have to go out a second 

 time, to manufacture her pill on a level space 

 of sufficient extent. 



When the work is done, some of them 

 emancipate themselves, think they will have a 

 look at the country before retiring for good 

 and all. It is these whom we sometimes meet 

 wandering aimlessly and dragging their bag 

 behind them. Sooner or later, however, the 

 vagrants return home; and the month of 

 August is not over before a straw rustled in 

 any burrow will bring the mother up, with 

 her wallet slung behind her. I am able to 

 procure as many as I want and, with them, 



115 



