The Life of Spiders 



was left but the central and more characteristic portions of the 

 web were entirely rebuilt. This new web being protected from 

 wind and from insects often remained in a perfect condition for 

 a considerable time, giving ample opportunity for the study and 

 the photographing of it. 



Owing to the extreme delicacy of the threads of which a web 

 is made very careful lighting of it is necessary. By simply moving 

 the flower pot containing the branch, the web can be put in the 

 most favourable position. 



As to the background, good results were obtained by hanging 

 a piece of black velvet behind the web; this substance reflects 

 very little light and makes a good contrast with the light lines of 

 the web. But the most perfect results were obtained by the use 



O-o^O— °— o 



Fig. 181. VISCID SILK OF ARANEA 



of a dark hole for a background. This was obtained by using 

 an open box about five feet deep, three feet wide, and three feet 

 long. This was lined with black velvet and placed upon its side. 

 The web to be photographed was then placed before the opening 

 of the box. The bottom of the box, which served as the back- 

 ground, being in the shadow of the sides reflected almost no light. 



Frequently the getting of a photograph of a web was not so 

 simple as in the case of those built on shrubs and trees; sonic of 

 the special devices used for this purpose are described in the 

 accounts of the webs given later. 



On photographing threads, of silk. — After making many 

 unsuccessful attempts to make photomicrographs of silk, I 

 devised a very simple method. Two small pins are inserted in 



l8l 



