The Labyrinth Spider 325 



a hunting-box close to the eggs watched over. 

 We know this dwelHng, built in strict accordance 

 with artistic canons under the shelter of my cages. 



Remember the magnificent oval guard-room, 

 running into a vestibule at either end ; the egg- 

 chamber slung in the centre and isolated on 

 every side by half a score of pillars ; the front- 

 hall expanding into a wide mouth and sur- 

 mounted by a network of taut threads forming 

 a trap. The semi- transparency of the walls 

 allows us to see the Spider engaged in her house- 

 hold affairs. Her cloister of vaulted passages 

 enables her to proceed to any point of the star- 

 shaped pouch containing the eggs. Indefatig- 

 able in her rounds, she stops here and there ; 

 she fondly feels the satin, listens to the secrets 

 of the wallet. If I shake the net at any point 

 with a straw, she quickly runs up to enquire 

 what is happening. Will this vigilance frighten 

 off the Ichneumon and other lovers of omelettes ? 

 Perhaps so. But, though this danger be averted, 

 others will come when the mother is no longer 

 there. 



Her attentive watch does not make her over- 

 look her meals. One of the Locusts whereof I 



