194 T^^^ ^^f^ ^f ^^^ Spider 



and light, the scene assumes a very different 

 aspect. The emigrants run to the top of the 

 twigs, bustle about actively. It becomes a 

 bewildering rope-yard, where thousands of legs 

 are drawing the hemp from the spinnerets. I 

 do not see the ropes manufactured and sent 

 floating at the mercy of the air ; but I guess 

 their presence. 



Three or four Spiders start at a time, each 

 going her own way in directions independent of 

 her neighbours'. All are moving upwards, all 

 are climbing some support, as can be perceived 

 by the nimble motion of their legs. Moreover, 

 the road is visible behind the climber, it is of 

 double thickness, thanks to an added thread. 

 Then, at a certain height, individual movement 

 ceases. The tiny animal soars in space and 

 shines, lit up by the sun. Softly it sways, then 

 suddenly takes flight. 



What has happened ? There is a slight 

 breeze outside. The floating cable has snapped 

 and the creature has gone off, borne on its 

 parachute. I see it drifting away, showing, 

 like a spot of light, against the dark foliage of 

 the near cypresses, some forty feet distant. It 



