THE DIVING SPIDER. 



139 



of air beneath the pellicle which, surrounds her. " Clothed in 

 this aerial mantle, which to the spectator seems formed of 

 resplendent quicksilver, she then plunges to the bottom, and 

 with as much dexterity as a chemist transfers gas with a 

 gas-holder, introduces her bubble of air beneath the roof pre- 

 pared for its reception ; this manoeuvre is ten or twelve times 

 repeated, and when she has transported sufficient air to ex- 

 pand her apartment to its intended extent, she possesses an 

 aerial edifice, an enchanted palace, where, unmoved by 

 storms, she devours her prey at ease." Fancy-woven from 

 the foregoing description is the Fairy Tale which forms 

 the subject of the next episode. 



went fimt'uprm ajtcnuion! 



