84 INSECT LIFE IN POND AND STREAM 



the shadowy web is quite filled with air and 

 stands out in the water like a silver thimble. 



In this beautiful little nest the Spider passes 

 her time while she is under the water, coming 

 out now and then to catch something to eat 

 when she feels hungry. In the winter she 

 stays at home altogether, and takes a long 

 nap ; but as soon as warm days return the 

 Spider is busy again ; she makes another nest 

 and fastens within it a silken cocoon filled 

 with eggs. 



When the little spiderkins leave the nest 

 they are too small to spin webs and make 

 houses, so each one chooses a tiny, empty 

 shell, that once belonged to a Water-snail, 

 and fills it with air ; and in this little boat it 

 floats about until it is old enough to make a 

 silver thimble. 



