166 CONVERSATIONS ON 



is yet known, which actually builds a raft, 

 for the purpose of getting its food more easily. 

 You may see it sailing about upon the water, 

 on a ball of weeds about three inches across, 

 which is held together probably by small silk 

 cords spun from itself; and the moment it 

 sees an insect drowning, it leaves the raft, gets 

 the insect, and then returns to eat it at leisure. 

 If you frighten it, or it thinks danger is near, 

 in an instant it is under the raft out of sight." 



" Ah, this is a cunning spider. Uncle Phi- 

 lip." 



" Not half so cunning, boys, as the one we 

 talked of which built a door to its house. 

 But here we are at land. Jump ashore, my 

 lads, and give my respects to your fathers and 

 mothers, when you get home." 



" We will. Good day, Uncle Philip." 



" Good day, boys. I shall be glad to see 

 you next Saturday." 



