GARDEN SPIDER. 



675 



is a 



Sclerarachne, which even surpasses them in the hardness of its skin. This 

 very small species, with six eyes, a native of Cuba, and evidently forms one of the 

 links between the true spiders and the mites. The name Sclerarachne is of Greek 

 origin, and literally signifies " hard-spider." 



During their life-time these spiders literally glitter with resplendent hues, and gleam 

 like living gems set in the deep verdure of the forests. Crimson, azure, emerald, and 

 purple adorn these remarkable Arachnida, and in several species the skin looks exactly 

 as if it were made of burnished gold and silver. After death these glaring colors 

 vanish and change into dull browns and blacks, but in many cases a few relics of the 



N 



GARDEN OR CROSS SPlDER.-Epeira diadem*. 



former beauty are still discernible, especially is those specimens where the surface 

 once glittered with metallic radiance. 



A collection of spiders belonging to the genera Acrosoma and Gasteracantha presents 

 a most extraordinary appearance. There seems to be no bound to the variety of spines 

 and spikes with which the bodies of these creatures are armed ; and had it not been 

 for the lack of space, a few illustrations would have been wholly filled with their strange 

 and weird-like forms. The object of these appendages is quite unknown. Some writers 

 have suggested that they may be intended as defensive armor, and given for the pur- 

 pose of deterring birds from eating them. But this opinion is quite untenable, as 

 there is no reason why they should be thus guarded more than any other spiders. In- 

 deed, this is another of the many mysteries of the zoology, which will never be unveiled 

 until we learn to look beneath the surface and to inquire not only the object of a 

 color or formation, but its meaning. 



IN the illustration of the GARDEN-SPIDER, both sexes are given, in order to show 

 their different shape and comparative dimensions. The female is one of the fiercest 

 Amazons of the spider race ; and in case she should object to the attentions of her 

 intended spouse, he must needs flee for his life, a feat which he generally per- 



