The Narbonne Lycosa: The Burrow 



A silk coating, but a scanty one, for the 

 Lycosa has not the wealth of silk possessed 

 by the Weaving Spiders, lines the walls of 

 the tube and keeps the loose earth from fall- 

 ing. This plaster, which cements the inco- 

 hesive and smooths the rugged parts, is re- 

 served more particularly for the top of the 

 gallery, near the mouth. Here, in the day- 

 time, if things be peaceful all around, the 

 Lycosa stations herself, either to enjoy the 

 warmth of the sun, her great delight, or to lie 

 in wait for game. The threads of the silk 

 lining afford a firm hold to the claws on every 

 side, whether the object be to sit motionless 

 for hours, revelling in the light and heat, or 

 to pounce upon the passing prey. 



Around the orifice of the burrow rises, to 

 a greater or lesser height, a circular parapet, 

 formed of tiny pebbles, twigs and straps bor- 

 rowed from the dry leaves of the neighbour- 

 ing grasses, all more or less dexterously tied 

 together and cemented with silk. This work 

 of rustic architecture is never missing, even 

 though it be no more than a mere pad. 



When she reaches maturity and is once 

 settled, the Lycosa becomes eminently do- 

 mesticated. I have been living in close com- 



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