322 THE SPIDERS. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



VARIOUS SPECIES OF SPIDERS. 



ONE of the most interesting of the species of spiders is the 

 Argyroneta aquatica, a swimmer- spider which should 

 be regarded as the discoverer of the diving-bell. This 

 remarkable creature lives with us in almost all stagnant 

 pools, and stays under water for hours, although, like every 

 other spider, it would be drowned by the entrance of water 

 into its air-sacs, if it did not know how to prevent it. It 

 raises its abdomen above the surface of the water, surrounds 

 it with an air-bubble and dives down, the air being held 

 apparently by the downy coating of its body, and looking 

 like a glittering ball of silver or mercury. Arrived below, 

 it seeks a place where water-plants grow thickly together, 

 and rubs its legs against its abdomen till it loosens the air 

 bubble, which is held down by the tangle of plants. This 

 done it rises again to the surface, and repeats the pro- 

 ceeding until it has collected a good quantity of air at the 

 same spot. It then surrounds this air with a very fine but 

 thick web, which has perfectly the shape of a diving-bell, 

 and is attached all round by stretched out threads. If the 

 bell is not quite full of air, new bubbles are brought from 

 the surface in the same Avay and emptied into it, and now, 

 complete, it looks like a shining silver bell. In this poetical 

 abode, reminding one of the " Arabian Nights' Tales," the 

 insect lives, carries there its food and brings up its young. 

 It hunts not only in the water but also on dry land, but 

 always takes its prey to its hidden crystal palace. If any 

 store of food remains after its hunger is satisfied, it is care- 

 fully attached to the diving-bell by threads. The male 

 builds its light dwelling close by that of the female, and 

 unites them by an opening or covered gallery. So live the 

 wedded pair, each in its own house, in peaceful unity side 

 by side, busied only with the care of their family, far from 



