The Labyrinth Spider 309 



much-frequented regions. Spokes of some 

 regularity fix the diameter of the mouth ; a 

 swaying walk and the guiding aid of the caudal 

 appendages have laid lozengy meshes across 

 these spokes. This part has been strengthened 

 by the nightly rounds of inspection. Lastly 

 come the less-visited expanses, which conse- 

 quently have a thinner carpet. 



At the bottom of the passage dipping into the 

 brushwood, we might expect to find a secret 

 cabin, a wadded cell where the Spider would 

 take refuge in her hours of leisure. The reality 

 is something entirely different. The long funnel- 

 neck gapes at its lower end, where a private 

 door stands always ajar, allowing the animal, 

 when hard-pushed, to escape through the grass 

 and gain the open. 



It is well to know this arrangement of the 

 home, if you wish to capture the Spider without 

 hurting her. When attacked from the front, 

 the fugitive runs down and slips through the 

 postern-gate at the bottom. To look for her 

 by rummaging in the brushwood often leads 

 to nothing, so swift is her flight ; besides, a 

 blind search entails a great risk of maiming her. 



