CH. XIV.l THE SPIDER. 245 



We frequently see this spider's thread floating in 

 the air, and extended from hedge to hedge across a 

 road or brook of four or five yards' width. The 

 animal which forms the thread has no wings where- 

 with to fly from one extremity to the other of this 

 line, nor muscles to enable it to spring or dart to so 

 great a distance ; yet its Creator hath laid for it a 

 path in the atmosphere; and after this manner, 

 though the insect itself be heavier than air, the 

 thread which it spins from its bowels is specifically 

 lighter. This is its balloon. The spider, left to 

 itself, would drop to the ground ; but being tied to 

 its thread, both are supported. By this contrivance, 

 the creatures mount into the air to such immense 

 heights, that when Dr. Martin Lister ascended York 

 Minster, he still saw these insects much above him. 

 In the fine summer days, the air may be seen filled, 

 and the earth covered with filmy webs : — 



The fine nets which oft we woven see, of scorched dew. 



Spenser. 



Most nations have associated something poetical 

 with their presence. The Germans, from constantly 

 observing them in the beginning of the autumn, 

 have styled the phenomenon " the flitting summer." 

 The French, unable to account for the existence of 

 such pure films, in the open and beautiful autumnal 

 skies, called them the threads of the " Virgin." And 

 we the gossamer — 



Lovers who may bestride the gossamer 

 That idles in the wanton air. 



Mr. White gives a curious account of a shower of 

 these gossamers. In September, 1741, being intent 

 on field sports, he found the whole face of the coun- 

 try covered with a coat of web drenched in dew, as 

 thick as if two or three setting nets had been drawn 

 one over the other. His dogs were so blinded by 

 them as to be obliged to lie down and scrape them- 



