218 MYGALE. RUNNING SPIDERS. 



structing subterranean cylindrical galleries, often two feet deep, 

 and so tortuous that it is difficult to follow them. These they 

 line with a silken tube, forming at its entrance a moveable lid, 

 composed of silk and earth, attached to the silken lining by a 

 sort of hinge ; and this is adapted, by its size, situation, and 

 weight, to close the opening so precisely, as scarcely to allow its 

 entrance to be distinguished from the neighbouring soil, shutting 

 of itself when the Spider enters its retreat or passes out of it. 

 "When an attempt is made to open it from without, the Mygale 

 holds it down firmly with its hooked feet. The Mygale [spins 

 a sort of cocoon around its eggs, enclosing a hundred or more ; 

 they are hatched within it, and the young undergo their first 

 changes before quitting it. The various species of this group 

 are inhabitants of tropical and the warmer temperate climates ; 

 it is only in the former, that we find those of largest size. The 

 TDBICOL^E and CELLULICOL^E are not sufficiently distinct from 

 the preceding, to require particular notice. They are mostly of 

 smaller size, and inhabit temperate climates, where they may be 

 considered as representing the Mining Spiders. 



755. The tribes of CURSORES, or Runners -, and SALTATORES, 

 or Leapers, forming the second division of the Hunting-Spiders, 

 are distinguished by the activity with which they pursue their 

 prey. The former, which are sometimes called Wolf-Spiders, 

 have the legs adapted for running, and live mostly upon the 

 ground. Those of the genus Lycosus dwell in holes which they 

 have formed, lining their inside with silk, and increasing their 

 size as they grow. Some of them take up their abode in holes of 

 walls, where they make silken tubes ; the outside of which they 

 cover with earth or sand, and in which they moult or hybernate, 

 having first closed the entrance. The females also lay their 

 eggs in these tubes ; inclosing them in a silken cocoon, or egg- 

 case, which they carry about with them when they go out to 

 hunt. The young ones fasten themselves, as soon as they are 

 hatched, upon the body of their parent ; and there remain 

 attached, until they are sufficiently strong to seek their own 

 food. These Spiders are very voracious, and defend their habita- 

 tions and young with great courage. A species of this genus, 



