The Life of the Spider 



which she has just obtained and climbs up by 

 this road, still spinning. But, this time, as 

 she is no longer assisted by the force of 

 gravity, the thread is extracted in another 

 manner. The two hind-legs, with a quick 

 alternate action, draw it from the wallet and 

 let it go. 



On returning to her starting-point, at a 

 height of six feet or more, the Spider is now 

 in possession of a double line, bent into a loop 

 and floating loosely in a current of air. She 

 fixes her end where it suits her and waits 

 until the other end, wafted by the wind, has 

 fastened its loop to the adjacent twigs. 



The desired result may be very slow in 

 coming. It does not tire the unfailing 

 patience of the Epeira, but it soon wears out 

 mine. And it has happened to me sometimes 

 to collaborate with the Spider. I pick up the 

 floating loop with a straw and lay it on 

 a branch, at a convenient height. The foot- 

 bridge erected with my assistance is con- 

 sidered satisfactory, just as though the wind 

 had placed it. I count this collaboration 

 among the good actions standing to my credit. 



Feeling her thread fixed, the Epeira runs 

 along it repeatedly, from end to end, adding 

 252 



