98 The Life of the Spider 



basket-work, consisting of slender stalks and 

 dry blades of grass. Lastly, by way of an 

 unprecedented treasure, never yet employed 

 by a Lycosa, I place at my captives' disposal 

 some thick threads of wool, cut into inch 

 lengths. 



As I wish, at the same time, to find out 

 whether my animals, with the magnificent 

 lenses of their eyes, are able to distinguish 

 colours and prefer one colour to another, I mix 

 up bits of wool of different hues : there are red, 

 green, white and yellow pieces. If the Spider 

 have any preference, she can choose where 

 she pleases. 



The Lycosa always works at night, a regret- 

 table circumstance, which does not allow me 

 to follow the worker's methods. I see the 

 result ; and that is all. Were I to visit the 

 building-yard by the light of a lantern, I should 

 be no wiser. The animal, which is very shy, 

 would at once dive into her lair ; and I should 

 have lost my sleep for nothing. Furthermore, 

 she is not a very diligent labourer ; she likes 

 to take her time. Two or three bits of wool or 

 raphia placed in position represent a whole 



