The Spiders Exodus 159 



still stands erect, though withered. On the 

 green leaves, shaped like a sword-blade, swarm 

 two newly-hatched families. The wee beasties 

 are a dull yellow, with a triangular black patch 

 upon their stern. Later on, three white crosses, 

 ornamenting the back, will tell me that my 

 find corresponds with the Cross or Diadem 

 Spider {Epeira diadema, Walck.). 



When the sun reaches this part of the enclos- 

 ure, one of the two groups falls into a great 

 state of flutter. Nimble acrobats that they are, 

 the little Spiders scramble up, one after the other, 

 and reach the top of the stem. Here, marches 

 and countermarches, tumult and confusion 

 reign, for there is a slight breeze which throws 

 the troop into disorder. I see no connected 

 manoeuvres. From the top of the stalk they 

 set out at every moment, one by one ; they 

 dart off suddenly ; they fly away, so to 

 speak. It is as though they had the wings of a 

 Gnat. 



Forthwith they disappear from view. Nothing 

 that my eyes can see explains this strange 

 flight ; for precise observation is impossible 

 amid the disturbing influences out of doors. 



