The Narbonne Lycosa: The Burrow 



is satisfied to be gorged to-day and to remain 

 empty afterwards for goodness knows how 

 long. I have sometimes neglected my cater- 

 ing-duties for weeks at a time; and my 

 boarders have been none the worse for it. 

 After a more or less protracted fast, they do 

 not pine away, but are smitten with a wolf- 

 like hunger. All these ravenous eaters are 

 alike : they guzzle to excess to-day, in antici- 

 pation of to-morrow's dearth. 



In her youth, before she has a burrow, the 

 Lycosa earns her living in another manner. 

 Clad in grey like her elders, but without the 

 black-velvet apron which she receives on at- 

 taining the marriageable age, she roams 

 among the scrubby grass. This is true hunt- 

 ing. Should a suitable quarry heave in sight, 

 the Spider pursues it, drives it from its shel- 

 ters, follows it hot-foot. The fugitive gains 

 the heights, makes as though to fly away. He 

 has not the time. With an upward leap, the 

 Lycosa grabs him before he can rise. 



I am charmed with the agility wherewith 

 my yearling boarders seize the Flies which I 

 provide for them. In vain does the Fly 

 take refuge a couple of inches up, on some 

 blade of grass. With a sudden spring into 



141 



