SPIDERS, 



359 



Geometric Net of Epcira diadema. 



markable circumstance is her using her Hmbs as a 

 measure, to regulate the distances of her radii or 

 wheel-spokes, and the circular meshes interweaved 

 into them. These are consequently always propor- 

 tional to the size of the spider. She often takes up 

 her station in the centre, but not always, though 

 it is so said by inaccurate writers; for she as fre- 

 quently lurks hi a little chamber constructed under 

 a leaf or other shelter at the corner of her web, 

 ready to dart down upon whatever prey may be en- 

 tangled in her net. The centre of the net is said 

 also to be composed of more viscid materials than its 



