Teacher's Leaflet'. " ^65 



(9). Where does the silken thread come from and how does its source 

 differ from the source of silken thread spun by caterpillars? 



Fads for the Teacher. — The cobwebs are crisscrossed lines usually in some dark 

 corner, and are meant to tangle any fly that may come near. The lines are stayed 

 to the sides of the wall and to each other so that they are firmly attached and are 

 thus enabled to hold the fly that touches them. The spider is likely to be in some 

 little den at one side of the web. This may be in a crevice, in a corner or in a tunnel 

 made of silk. If the fly becomes tangled in the web the spider runs to it and seizes 

 it in its jaws and sucks its blood, throwing away the shell, the wings and the legs. 

 Sometimes these remain fastened to the web, but usually they are thrown out. If 

 the spider is frightened it seeks to run away and hide and it may drop by a thread 

 to the floor. The silken thread of spiders comes from some marvellous little 

 spinning tubes situated at the end of the abdomen, while the opening of the silk 

 glands of caterpillars is in the lower lip. 



Lesson XVIIL 

 a funnel web. 



Purpose. — To make the pupils acquainted with the common grass 

 spider. 



Material. — Web on the grass with a spider within it. 



Observations for the Pupils. — (i). What is the general shape of the 

 web? 



(2). Is there a funnel leading down from it? 



(3). Why is it called a funnel web? 



(4). Of what use is the funnel and what is its shape? 



(5). Where does it lead and of what use is it to the spider? 



(6). Can you corner a spider in its funnel in any way? 



(7). How is the web made? 



(8). Is there any regularity in the threads that make it? 



(9). How is it stayed in place? 



(10). Touch the web lightly and note how the spider acts. 



( 1 1 ) . What insects become entangled in the web ? 



(12). Compare this web with similar funnel webs found in corners of 

 cellars, sheds or piazzas, and see if you think the same kind of spider 

 made both. 



Facts for the Teacher. — The general shape of the web is a sheet of silk with a 

 funnel-shaped tube leading down from one side, thus making the whole web of 

 general funnel shape. The tube is used as a hiding place for the spider, which thus 

 escapes the eyes of its enemies and also keeps out of the sight of any insects that 

 may be frightened by its appearance and thus avoid the web. The tube has a back 

 door and if the spider is frightened it will escape by this way and run oflf in the 



