254 THE WOODLANDS. 



two radii, which multiplied by 26, the mean number 

 of radii, produces 87,360, the total number of viscid 

 globules in a finished net of average dimensions. A 

 large net, fourteen or sixteen inches in diameter, will 

 be found by a similar calculation to contain upwards 

 of 120,000 viscid globules, and yet an Epeira will 

 complete its snare in about forty minutes, if it meets 

 with no interruption." 



There is a family of spiders called the Linyphiidce, 

 which are allied to the family to which the Diadem 

 Spider belongs, and which usually inhabit the branches 

 and foliage of trees and shrubs. In general ap- 

 pearance the body is proportionately longer and 

 narrower than in the Epeiridcz. They are rather 

 small, often mottled, and fabricate a thin sheet of 

 web of variable extent, on the under surface of which 

 they take their station in an inverted position. Some 

 of the species are rare, but there are two or three 

 which are sufficiently common to be met with in a 

 stroll in the woods. 



" It is really remarkable," observes the Rev. J. G. 

 Wood, " that considering the great number of species 

 which inhabit England so very few should have been 

 sufficiently distinguished to receive popular names. 

 Owing in all probability to the foolish dislike towards 

 spiders entertained by most persons, a dislike which 

 has been instilled into their minds at a very early 

 age, these wonderful and interesting creatures are 

 seldom watched, and there are very few persons who 

 really know one spider from another, or who have 

 any idea of their exceeding usefulness when in the 

 places which they were intended to inhabit." The 



