The Burrow 1 1 1 



powerful columns, which come plumb on the 

 surface and contain the muscles that work 

 them. 



Well, this surgical outfit, intended for stabbing 

 the jugular artery of the prey, suddenly becomes 

 a pick-axe and does rough navvy's work. To 

 witness the underground digging is impossible ; 

 but we can, at least, with the exercise of a little 

 patience, see the rubbish carted away. If I 

 watch my captives, without tiring, at a very 

 early hour — for the work takes place mostly 

 at night and at long intervals — in the end I 

 catch them coming up with a load. Contrary 

 to what I expected, the legs take no part in 

 the carting. It. is the mouth that acts as the 

 barrow. A tiny ball of earth is held between 

 the fangs and is supported by the palpi, or 

 feelers, which are little arms employed in the 

 service of the mouth-parts. The Lycosa de- 

 scends cautiously from her turret, goes to some 

 distance to get rid of her burden and quickly 

 dives down again to bring up more. 



We have seen enough : we know that the 

 Lycosa's fangs, those lethal weapons, are not 

 afraid to bite into clay and gravel. They 



