LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 203 



spider throws its threads from all of them at 

 once, the cord is composed of more than four 

 thousand strands. These separate threads are 

 so fine that they cannot be seen without the aid 

 of a microscope ; and yet, when thus united, they 

 are strong enough to bear six times the weight 

 of the spider that spins them. This is a won- 

 derful arrangement of Providence. The spider 

 requires a very strong web for its purpose, and 

 you probably know that a number of threads 

 united are much stronger than one would be of 

 the same thickness. 



The feet of spiders are furnished with claws, 

 which serve the purpose of fingers ; and with 

 these they can readily handle and arrange their 

 slender threads according to their pleasure. 

 Solomon says: " The spider taketh hold with 

 her hands, and spreads her snare in kings' pa- 

 laces." 



You know the webs of spiders are intended 

 as snares in which to entrap their prey, and the 

 ingenuity displayed in their construction is really 

 wonderful. 



Have you ever observed the house spider 

 weaving its web in a.corner of the room? 



