The Spiders Exodus 167 



possess the secret would stand amazed at this 

 magic ascent without a ladder. In a few 

 minutes, most of them are up, clinging to the 

 ceiling. 



Not all of them reach it. I see some who, 

 on attaining a certain height, cease to go up 

 and even lose ground, although moving their 

 legs forward with all the nimbleness of which 

 they are capable. The more they struggle 

 upwards, the faster they come down. This 

 drifting, which neutralizes the distance covered 

 and even converts it into a retrogression, is 

 easily explained. 



The thread has not reached the platform ; 

 it floats, it is fixed only at the lower end. As 

 long as it is of a fair length, it is able, although 

 moving, to bear the minute animal's weight. 

 But, as the Spider climbs, the float becomes 

 shorter in proportion ; and the time comes 

 when a balance is struck between the ascensional 

 force of the thread and the weight carried. 

 Then the beastie remains stationary, although 

 continuing to climb. 



Presently, the weight becomes too much for 

 the shorter and shorter float ; and the Spider 



