The Narbonne Lycosa 



had proof of this when we caught the Lycosa 

 in the act of devouring her lover above 

 ground, in a part of the enclosure which had 

 been broken for planting and which was 

 therefore not suitable for the Spider's es- 

 tablishment. The burrow must have been 

 some way off; and the meeting of the pair 

 took place at the very spot of the tragic catas- 

 trophe. Although he had a clear road, the 

 male was not quick enough in getting away 

 and was duly eaten. 



After this cannibal orgy, does the Lycosa 

 go back home? Perhaps not, for a while. 

 Besides, she would have to go out a second 

 time, to manufacture her pill on a level space 

 of sufficient extent. 



\"\Tien the work is done, some of them 

 emancipate themselves, think they will have a 

 look at the country before retiring for good 

 and all. It is these whom we sometimes meet 

 wandering aimlessly and dragging tlieir bag 

 behind them. Sooner or later, however, the 

 ^-agrants return home; and the month of 

 August is not over before a straw rustled in 

 any burrow will bring the mother up, with 

 her wallet slung behind her. I am able to 

 procure as many as I want and, with them, 

 "5 



