The Labyrinth Spider 



watched over. We know this dwelling, built 

 in strict accordance with artistic cannons un- 

 der the shelter of my cages. 



Remember the magnificent oval guard- 

 room, running into a vestibule at either end; 

 the egg-chamber slung in the centre and 

 isolated on every side by half a score of 

 pillars; the front-hall expanding into a wide 

 mouth and surmounted by a network of taut 

 threads forming a trap. The semi-transpar- 

 ency of the walls allows us to see the Spider 

 engaged in her household affairs. Her 

 cloister of vaulted passages enables her to pro- 

 ceed to any point of the star-shaped pouch 

 containing the eggs. Indefatigable in her 

 rounds, she stops here and there; she fondly 

 feels the satin, listens to the secrets of the wal- 

 let. If I shake the net at any point with a 

 straw, she quickly runs up to enquire what is 

 happening. Will this vigilance frighten off 

 the Ichneumon and other lovers of omelettes? 

 Perhaps so. But, though this danger be 

 averted, others will come when the mother is 

 no longer there. 



Her attentive watch does not make her 

 overlook her meals. One of the Locusts 

 whereof I renew the supply at intervals in the 



35i 



