Aquatic Insects 123 



so much admired. A silken nest is con- 

 structed among the weeds under water ; 

 it is thimble-shaped and is very carefully 

 contrived. It serves the purpose of a 

 diving bell and is stored with air, 

 liberated bubble by bubble from the air 

 covering on the spider's body. When 

 building this nest the spider has fre- 

 quently to rise to the surface for a fresh 

 air supply. The egg-cocoon is deposited 

 in the nest and the young spiders, as 

 soon as hatched, lead an independent 

 existence and go out into the world to 

 build similar fairy-like domains of their 

 own. 



