94 The Life of the Spider 



the Spider meditates at length and is content 

 to lead a life of quiet when her belly is full. 



A silk coating, but a scanty one, for the 

 Lycosa has not the wealth of silk possessed by 

 the Weaving Spiders, lines the walls of the tube 

 and keeps the loose earth from falling. This 

 plaster, which cements the incohesive and 

 smooths the rugged parts, is reserved more 

 particularly for the top of the gallery, near the 

 mouth. Here, in the day-time, if things be 

 peaceful all around, the Lycosa stations herself, 

 either to enjoy the warmth of the sun, her great 

 delight, or to lie in wait for game. The threads 

 of the silk lining afford a firm hold to the claws 

 on every side, whether the object be to sit 

 motionless for hours, revelling in the light and 

 heat, or to pounce upon the passing prey. 



Around the orifice of the burrow rises, to a 

 greater or lesser height, a circular parapet, 

 formed of tiny pebbles, twigs and straps bor- 

 rowed from the dry leaves of the neighbouring 

 grasses, all more or less dexterously tied to- 

 gether and cemented with silk. This work of 

 rustic architecture is never missing, even though 

 it be no more than a mere pad. 



