SPIDERS. 



315 



structure. The elasticity of the materials, also, gives to 

 this hinge the remarkable peculiarity of acting like a 

 spring, and shutting the door of the nest spontaneously. 

 It is, besides, made to fit so accurately to the aperture, 

 which is composed of similar concentric layers of web, 

 that it is almost impossible to distinguish the joining by 

 the most careful inspection. To gratify curiosity, the door 

 has been opened and shut hundreds of times, without in 

 the least destroying the power of the spring. When Ihe 

 door is shut, it resembles some of the lichens (Lecidea), or 

 the leathery fungi, such as Polyporus versicolm^ (Micheli), or, 

 nearer still, the upper valve of a young oyster shell. The 

 door of the nest, the only part seen above ground, being of 

 a blackish-brown colour, it must be very difficult to dis- 

 cover. (J. E.) 



Kest of the Mason-Spider. 



A. The nest shut. B. The nest open. C. The spicier, Myqale cccmentaria. D. The ej'es 

 magnified. E, F. Parts of the foot and claw magnified. 



Another mason-spider (^Mygale ccementaria. Late.), found 

 in the south of France, usually selects for her nest a place 



