150 The Life of the Spider 



tapestry the tiny animals gleam like twinkling 

 orange stars. 



This straggling state, though it last for 

 hours, is but temporary. If the air grow 

 cooler, if rain threaten, the spherical group 

 reforms at once. This is a protective measure. 

 On the morning after a shower, I find the families 

 on either bamboo in as good condition as on 

 the day before. The silk veil and the pill 

 formation have sheltered them well enough 

 from the downpour. Even so do Sheep, when 

 caught in a storm in the pastures, gather close, 

 huddle together and make a common rampart 

 of their backs. 



The assembly into a ball-shaped mass is also 

 the rule in calm, bright weather, after the 

 morning's exertions. In the afternoon, the 

 climbers collect at a higher point, where they 

 weave a wide, conical tent, with the end of a 

 shoot for its top, and, gathered into a compact 

 group, spend the night there. Next day, when 

 the heat returns, the ascent is resumed in long 

 files, following the shrouds which a few pioneers 

 have rigged and which those who come after 

 elaborate with their own work. 



