The Banded Epeira 69 



the bird in every way, in so far as concerns her 

 work. 



But, on her side, the Penduline is a more 

 devoted mother. For weeks on end, squatting 

 at the bottom of her purse, she presses to her 

 heart the eggs, those Httle white pebbles from 

 which the warmth of her body will bring forth 

 life. The Epeira knows not these softer 

 passions. Without bestowing a second glance 

 on it, she abandons her nest to its fate, be it 

 good or ill. 



