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ation of HIS works, who is " maximus in maximis, 

 maxirnus in minimis." 



It seems to us probable, that the phenomena of the 

 ascent of the spider will be found ultimately connected 

 with the meteorology of the atmosphere ; and the ob- 

 servation of its curious habits lead hereafter to some 

 useful practical results. 



Among all the phenomena presented to the study 

 of the entomologist, there are few to be found more 

 interesting than those that are met with among spiders. 

 Haafner, in his Pedestrian Journey through Ceylon, 

 thus describes the horned spider : "Its brown rough 

 body was more than six inches round, and its claws, the 

 thickness of a quill, held a lizard, the flesh of which it 

 was greedily devouring. I could plainly see its fiery 

 eyes rolling in its head." The Barbary spider carries 

 its young in a pouch or bag, like the opossum or 

 kangaroo ; and the young spiders, after being nursed 

 and nestled there, sometimes destroy their parent, 

 while the female frequently kills her mate. * The 

 family of the arama, or spider, presents a display 

 of cruelty and cunning seldom exceeded among the 

 most ferocious of insect tribes; yet their history is 

 fraught with the interest of much curious ingenuity, 

 and there are phenomena connected with it which 

 may well claim attention. They are tigers in ento- 



* Though a cruel race, the female is careful of its young. The 

 sac, or bag, which contains the ova, is a tissue, impervious to 

 water, and is their constant companion wherever they go. Some 

 keep incessant watch over their young. We remember to have 

 witnessed this most interestingly exhibited in the case of one 

 whose nest we rent asunder, and disturbed the included young ; 

 the female never stirred from the spot, but, regardless of self- 

 preservation, endeavoured to rally them round her, and restore 

 tranquillity and confidence. 



