542 I'^E HOUSE-SPIDER. 



Their abdomen is quite flat and thin when they have been long 

 without nourishment ; but, when adhering to the bod}"- of an animal, 

 they soon fill themselves with blood, and their size then becomes so 

 much enlarged, that any one unacquainted with their habits and 

 appearance, would scarcely recognise them. 



Their motions are extremely slow and heavy, but, in compensation 

 for this apparent defect, they are able to adhere closely and strongly 

 even to the most solid bodies. They are very tenacious of life ; and 

 their skin is so hard and tough, that they are not easily susceptib.e 

 of injury. Long after they are deprived of their head, they give 

 indications of remaining life. 



In the destruction of these insects, mercurial preparations have 

 been employed with success. 



OF TEE SPIDERS IN GENERAL. 



These insects, which are so remarkable, on account of their indus- 

 try and manners of life, are generally viewed with an aversion only 

 to be accounted for by the unpleasing impressions that are made upon 

 us in early life. These impressions are, in general, communicated by 

 persons ill-qualified to give the mind that direction which is necessary 

 fur the purposes of life. Even many naturalists have complained 

 that this aversion has deterred them from observing and accurately 

 examining the habits of these insects; and those who have under- 

 taken to do so, have generally been at much trouble to overcome 

 their antipathy. 



S})iders prey on other insects, and do not, in all cases, spare even 

 their own species. There is little doubt but their bite is venomous: 

 and it is said that a fly which has once felt it can never be recovered, 

 but soon dies in convulsions. Many of the species have been swal- 

 lowed, without any subsequent inconvenience. 



Some of the Spiders spin webs for the purpose of catching their 

 prey; but others seize it by surprise. They are all able to sustain an 

 abstinence from food for a great length of time ; some for even six 

 months or upwards. 



They frequently change their skins. The larvce. and pupcB have 

 eash eight legs, and differ in no respect from the perfect insect. 



THE HOUSE-SPIDER. 



The abdomen of these insects is nearly oval, of a brown color, and 

 marked with five black and almost contiguous spots. 



House-spiders feed principally on flies; and the web by which they 

 are enabled to entangle these insects is a surprising part of the animal 

 economy. For the purpose of forming this web, they are supplied 

 with a quantity of glutinous matter contained in a receptacle near the 

 extremity of their bodies; and, for spinning it into thread, they have 



