SPIDERS AND MITES. 217 



of our well-used Clubiona. It is a cylindrical rod, ending 

 in a rounded point ; every part of its surface is studded 

 with stiff, rather long, horny bristles, which, springing 

 from the side, arch inward towards the point. Now this 

 array of spines effectually prevents a false step, for if any 

 part of the leg, which is sufficiently long, only strike the 

 thread, the latter is certain to slip in between the bristles, 

 and thus to catch the leg. But more precision than this 

 is requisite ; especially when we observe with what de- 

 licacy of touch the hinder feet are often used to guide the 

 thread as it issues from the spinnerets ; and particularly 

 with what lightning-like rapidity the larger net-weavers 

 will, with the assistance of these feet, roll a dense web of 

 silk around the body of a helpless fly, swathing it up, 

 like an Egyptian mummy, in many folds of cloth, in an 

 instant. 



Look, then, at the extreme tip of the ultimate joint. 

 Two stout hooked claws of dark horny texture are seen 

 proceeding from it side by side, and a third of smaller 

 size, and more delicate in appearance, is placed between 

 them and on a lower level. The former have their under 



CLAWS OF SPIDER. 



or concave surface set with teeth (eighteen on each in this 

 example), very regularly cut, like those of a comb, which 

 are minute at the commencement of the series near the 

 base of the claw, and gradually increase in length to the 

 tip. These are doubtless sensible organs of touch, feeling 

 and catching the thread ; and they, moreover, act as 

 combs, cleansing their limbs, and probably their webs, 



