CHAPTER XII 



THE GARDEN SPIDERS : THE TELEGRAPH-WIRE 



/^\ F the six Garden Spiders that form the 

 ^-^ object of my observations, two only, the 

 Banded and the Silky Epeira, remain con- 

 stantly in their webs, even under the blinding 

 rays of a fierce sun. The others, as a rule, 

 do not show themselves until nightfall. At 

 some distance from the net, they have a rough 

 and ready retreat in the brambles, an ambush 

 made of a few leaves held together by 

 stretched threads. It is here that, for the most 

 part, they remain in the daytime, motionless 

 and sunk in meditation. 



But the shrill light that vexes them is the 

 joy of the fields. At such times, the Locust 

 hops more nimbly than ever, more gaily skims 

 the Dragon-fly. Besides, the limy web, despite 

 the rents suffered during the night, is still in 

 serviceable condition. If some giddy-pate 

 allow himself to be caught, will the Spider, at 

 the distance whereto she has retired, be unable 

 to take advantage of the windfall? Never 



282 



