1 74 The Life of the Spider 



be a spontaneous bursting, or dehiscence, inde- 

 pendent of the assistance of the youngsters 

 and similar to that of the seed-pods of plants. 



When fully ripened, the dry fruit of the snap- 

 dragon opens three windows ; that of the 

 pimpernel spUts into two rounded halves, 

 something like those of the outer case of a fob- 

 watch ; the fruit of the carnation partly unseals 

 its valves and opens at the top into a star- 

 shaped hatch. Each seed-casket has its own 

 system of locks, which are made to work 

 smoothly by the mere kiss of the sun. 



Well, that other dry fruit, the Banded Epeira's 

 germ-box, likewise possesses its bursting-gear. 

 As long as the eggs remain unhatched, the door, 

 solidly fixed in its frame, holds good ; as soon 

 as the little ones swarm and want to get out, it 

 opens of itself. 



Come June and July,, beloved of the Cicadae, 

 no less beloved of the young Spiders who are 

 anxious to be off. It were difficult indeed for 

 them to work their way through the thick shell 

 of the balloon. For the second time, a spon- 

 taneous dehiscence seems called for. Where 

 will it be effected ? 



