8o The Life of the Spider 



would be impossible ? It is very doubtful. 

 Prudence demands that matters should take 

 place outside. Here at least there is some 

 chance of beating a hasty retreat which will 

 enable the rash swain to escape the attacks of 

 his horrible bride. 



The interview in the open air lessens the 

 danger without removing it entirely. We had 

 proof of this when we caught the Lycosa in the 

 act of devouring her lover aboveground, in a 

 part of the enclosure which had been broken 

 for planting and which was therefore not 

 suitable for the Spider's estabhshment. The 

 burrow must have been some way off ; and the 

 meeting of the pair took place at the very spot 

 of the tragic catastrophe. Although he had a 

 clear road, the male was not quick enough in 

 getting away and was duly eaten. 



After this cannibal orgy, does the Lycosa go 

 back home ? Perhaps not, for a while. Be- 

 sides, she would have to go out a second time, 

 to manufacture her pill on a level space of 

 sufficient extent. 



When the work is done, some of them emanci- 

 pate themselves, think they will have a look 



