The Burrow 107 



to excess to-day, in anticipation of to-morrow's 

 dearth. ^ 



In her youth, before she has a burrow, the 

 Lycosa earns her hving in another manner. 

 Clad in grey Hke her elders, but without the 

 black- velvet apron which she receives on attain- 

 ing the marriageable age, she roams among the 

 scrubby grass. This is true hunting. Should 

 a suitable quarry heave in sight, the Spider 

 pursues it, drives it from its shelters, follows 

 it hot-foot. The fugitive gains the heights, 

 makes as though to fly away. He has not the 

 time. With an upward leap, the Lycosa grabs 

 him before he can rise. 



I am charmed with the agility wherewith 

 my yearling boarders seize the Flies which I 

 provide for them. In vain does the Fly take 

 refuge a couple of inches up, on some blade of 

 grass. With a sudden spring into the air, the 

 Spider pounces on the prey. No Cat is quicker 

 in catching her Mouse. 



But these are the feats of youth not handi- 

 capped by obesity. Later, when a heavy 

 paunch, dilated with eggs and silk, has to be 

 trailed along, those gymnastic performances 



