The Narbonne Lycosa: The Burrow 



the places haunted by the Lycosa. Properly 

 moistened into a paste, the artificial soil is 

 heaped, layer by layer, around a central reed, 

 of a bore equal to that of the animal's natural 

 burrow. When the receptacle is filled to the 

 top, I withdraw the reed, which leaves a 

 yawning, perpendicular shaft. I thus obtain 

 the abode which shall replace that of the 

 fields. 



To find the hermit to inhabit it is merely 

 the matter of a walk in the neighbourhood. 

 When removed from her own dwelling, 

 which is turned topsy-turvy by my trowel, and 

 placed in possession of the den produced by 

 my art, the Lycosa at once disappears into 

 that den. She does not come out again, seeks 

 nothing better elsewhere. A large wire- 

 gauze cover rests on the soil in the pan and 

 prevents escape. 



In any case, the watch, in this respect, makes 

 no demands upon my diligence. The priso- 

 ner is satisfied with her new abode and mani- 

 fests no regret for her natural burrow. 

 There is no attempt at flight on her part. 

 Let me not omit to add that each pan must 

 receive not more than one inhabitant. The 

 Lycosa is very intolerant. To her, a neigh- 

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