SPIDERS AND WASPS. 81 



to see a fine large female go on with her work, undis- 

 turbed by the light or my presence. She first spins a 

 canopy of web over the funnel, leaving a place of exit 

 on one side. She next comes out and steps carefully 

 over the canopy, as if to see whether it is strong and 

 secure. Seemingly satisfied that it is all right, she steps 

 down, just letting her fore-feet touch the edge of the 

 web, while with her hind-legs she feels, examines, and 

 handles various things which she rejects. Finally she 

 selects a dry oak-leaf about two inches broad and three 

 in length, and lays it over the canopy, and proceeds to 

 fasten it down all around except at the entrance. After 

 the leaf is made secure she reaches up and pulls down 

 blades of grass, and lays them over the leaf, and fastens 

 them down with web so dexterously that it cannot be 

 seen except with the closest scrutiny. This makes a 

 strong roof over her domicile. Now she goes within, 

 and seems to be putting some finishing touches on the 

 inside. This done, she stands in the door of her neat 

 apartment, waiting for any chance insect that may come 

 within her range. I see a beetle slowly crawling along, 

 evidently in search for its supper. I carefully direct 

 its course towards the spider. Quick as a flash she 

 seizes it, and goes within her home to make her meal. 

 Former experience has taught me that she will be a 

 long time making this meal, so I leave my post of ob- 

 servation for that night. 



Jn a few days thereafter I find that she has com- 

 pletely closed the entrance to her domicile, and if I did 

 6 



