3i6 The Life of the Spider 



structure. Then virtual regularity is translated 

 into actual chaos; order degenerates into dis- 

 order. 



We might discover an interesting subject of 

 research in the type adopted by each species 

 when the work is accomplished without hin- 

 drances. The Banded Epeira weaves the wallet 

 of her eggs in the open, on a slim branch that 

 does not get in her way ; and her work is a 

 superbly artistic jar. The Silky Epeira also 

 has all the elbow-room she needs ; and her 

 paraboloid is not without elegance. Can the 

 Labyrinth Spider, that other spinstress of accom- 

 phshed merit, be ignorant of the precepts of 

 beauty when the time comes for her to weave 

 a tent for her offspring ? As yet, what I have 

 seen of her work is but an unsightly bundle. 

 Is that all she can do ? 



I look for better things if circumstances 

 favour her. Toihng in the midst of a dense 

 thicket, among a tangle of dead leaves and 

 twigs, she may weU produce a very inaccurate 

 piece of work ; but compel her to labour when 

 free from all impediment : she wiU then — I am 

 convinced of it beforehand — apply her talents 



