144 ^^^ ^tf^ of ^^^ Spider 



bats. Before descending to the low levels, 

 their normal dwelling-place, they affect lofty- 

 alt itudes. 



To rise higher and ever higher is their first 

 need. I have not, it seems, exhausted the limit 

 of their climbing-instinct even with a nine- 

 foot pole, suitably furnished with branches to 

 facilitate the escalade. Those who have eagerly 

 reached the very top wave their legs, fumble 

 in space as though for yet higher stalks. It 

 behoves us to begin again and under better 

 conditions. 



Although the Narbonne Lycosa, with her 

 temporary yearning for the heights, is more 

 interesting than other Spiders, by reason of the 

 fact that her usual habitation is underground, 

 she is not so striking at swarming-time, because 

 the youngsters, instead of all migrating at once, 

 leave the mother at different periods and in 

 small batches. The sight will be a finer one 

 with the common Garden or Cross Spider, the 

 Diadem Epeira [Efeira diadema, Lin.), decor- 

 ated with three white crosses on her back. 



She lays her eggs in November and dies with 

 the first cold snap. She is denied the Lycosa's 



