Narbonne Lycosa: Climbing-Instinct 



spreading right up to the top, and place it 

 above the cage. The little Lycosa? clamber 

 to the very summit. Here, longer threads are 

 produced from the rope-yard, and are now 

 left to float, anon converted into bridges by 

 the mere contact of the free end with the 

 neighbouring supports. The rope-dancers em- 

 bark upon them and form garlands which the 

 least breath of air swings daintily. The 

 thread is invisible when it does not come be- 

 tween the eyes and the sun ; and the whole sug- 

 gests rows of Gnats dancing an aerial ballet. 



Then, suddenly, teased by the air-currents, 

 the delicate mooring breaks and flies through 

 space. Behold the emigrants off and away, 

 clinging to their thread. If the wind be fa- 

 vourable, they can land at great distances. 

 Their departure is thus continued for a week 

 or two, in bands more or less numerous, ac- 

 cording to the temperature and the brightness 

 of the day. If the sky be overcast, none 

 dreams of leaving. The travellers need the 

 kisses of the sun, which give energy and 

 vigour. 



At last, the whole family has disappeared, 

 carried afar by its flying-ropes. The mother 

 remains alone. The loss of her offspring 



173 



