ARANEA. 137 



cript notes and observations on the spiders of 

 Georgia, in America, by Mr. Abbot. " Many 

 very rare and curious spiders," says this gen- 

 tleman, " may be found in the nests of their 

 great enemies, the Dirt-daubers, or M ason-flies 

 (probably the Sphex spirifex). These flies'make 

 oblong cases of clay, which they plaster in 

 layers, to roofs, ceilings, and other convenient 

 places. When finished, they lay an egg inside 

 at the end, then fill it with spiders, and plaster 

 them up. It is remarkable that they have the 

 art to enchant, or rather to embalm alive the 

 spiders. Upon opening one of these nests, cells, 

 or cases, the spiders are found alive, but unable 

 to walk or make the least resistance, being just 

 able to move a little, sometimes a leg; they ap- 

 pear plump and fresh in colour, and not in the 

 least emaciated. I imagine they do this by 

 stinging them, a wonderful provision of nature, 

 to provide the worms with fresh and proper food 

 as long as they need it. Upon inclosing some 

 of these spiders in a box, they continued plump 

 and fresh for several days before they began to 

 alter or wither. A single fly will build several 

 N 3 



