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ABOUT SPIDERS AND THEIR WEBS. 



Diadem spider, or Cross spider (Epeira diadema). 

 Every one is familiar with the flat, circular, wheel- 

 like webs woven by this spider, and I shall there- 

 fore content myself with noting a few points as to its 

 economy. 

 In the first place, there is a bold difference between 





THE GAEDEX SPIDER. 



the threads which form the radiating spokes of the web, 

 and the long, delicate thread which is wound spirally 

 upon the spokes. The former threads are comparatively 

 thick and strong, and if touched with a pin or needle do 

 not adhere to it. The latter thread is very fine in pro- 



