Chapter xii 



THE GARDEN SPIDERS: THE TELEGRAPH-WIRE 



Of the six Garden Spiders that form the object 

 of my observations, two only, the Banded and 

 the Silky Epeira, remain constantly in their 

 webs, even under the blinding rays of a fierce 

 sun. The others, as a rule, do not show them- 

 selves until nightfall. At some distance from 

 the net, they have a rough and ready retreat in 

 the brambles, an ambush made of a few leaves 

 held together by stretched threads. It is here 

 that, for the most part, they remain in the 

 daytime, motionless and sunk in meditation. 



But the shrill light that vexes them is the 

 joy of the fields. At such times, the Locust 

 hops more nimbly than ever, more gaily skims 

 the Dragon-fly. Besides, the limy web, despite 

 the rents suffered during the night, is still in 

 serviceable condition. If some giddy-pate allow 

 himself to be caught, will the Spider, at the 

 distance whereto she has retired, be unable to 



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