THE SPIDERS 147 



when, unaware of this fierce intolerance, which is more 

 savage still at breeding-time, I saw hideous orgies per- 

 petrated in my overstocked cages. I shall have occasion 

 to describe those tragedies later. 



Let us meanwhile consider the isolated Lycosae. They 

 do not touch up the dwelling which I have molded for 

 them with a bit of reed ; at most, now and again, perhaps 

 with the object of forming a lounge or bedroom at the 

 bottom, they fling out a few loads of rubbish. But all, 

 little by little, build the kerb that is to edge the mouth. 



I have given them plenty of first-rate materials, far 

 superior to those which they use when left to their own 

 resources. These consist, first, for the foundations, of 

 little smooth stones, some of which are as large as an 

 almond. With this road-metal are mingled short strips 

 of raphia, or palm- fiber, flexible ribbons, easily bent. 

 These stand for the Spider's usual basket-work, consist- 

 ing of slender stalks and dry blades of grass. Lastly, by 

 way of an unprecedented treasure, never yet employed 

 by a Lycosa, I place at my captives' disposal some thick 

 threads of wool, cut into inch lengths. 



As I wish, at the same time, to find out whether my 

 animals, with the magnificent lenses of their eyes, are 

 able to distinguish colors and prefer one color to another, 

 I mix up bits of wool of different hues: there are red, 

 green, white, and yellow pieces. If the Spider have any 

 preference she can choose where she pleases. 



The Lycosa always works at night, a regrettable cir- 

 cumstance, which does not allow me to follow the work- 

 er's methods. I see the result; and that is all. Were I 



