THE MAKERS OF GOSSAMER 



somewhat resembling arms with very large, compli- 

 cated hands ? They are known as palpi ; and the 

 presence of the complex organs at the extremity of 

 each of them is a sure criterion that the creature has 

 arrived at the adult stage. Had it been a female, 

 your microscope would have been necessary in order to 

 satisfactorily decide as to its condition of maturity. 



Watch the antics of the little creature carefully, and 

 you will be amused. See, it is dissatisfied with the 

 pinnacle which at present supports it, and is taking 

 advantage of a bridge of delicate silk, obligingly formed 

 by one of its predecessors, to explore the next railing, 

 which, to our eyes, appears exactly like the other. Still 

 it is not satisfied. First it tries one point, then another, 

 striking curious attitudes, and, at intervals, pirouetting 

 wildly upon its dainty feet, its whole demeanour obvi- 

 ously suggestive of extreme excitement. It is only 

 natural, for the little creature is making its final pre- 

 parations for a voyage of discovery and adventure to a 

 land of which it knows nothing and from which there 

 is little chance of its ever returning. 



At last it seems satisfied with the particular railing 

 upon which it stands, and is raising its body to the 

 utmost extent by straightening its legs in an almost 

 ludicrous manner. Do you notice that from the spin- 

 ners at the extremity of its abdomen there has issued a 

 line of web of such tenuity that it is only visible when 



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