384 
ON THE ASCENT OF THE SPIDER 
XXI. — On the Potver possessed by the Spider 
of propelling its Threads, and on the Ascent 
of that l7isect into the Atmosphere. 
By John Murkay, F. S. A. F. L. S. F. H. S. &c. &c. 
(Read mh March 1824.) 
If the business of the entomologist be confined to the 
collection of a portfolio of butterflies, or the technicalities 
of mere nomenclature, we may consent to the praise of di- 
ligence and labour, but cannot approve the soundness of 
his views as a naturalist. Confined within these unenviable 
limits, entomology is but dull and unprofitable. 
I do hold, however, that the entomologist may reason-^ 
ably assume higher vantage ground, and lay claim to 
nobler pursuits ; and if the physiology of insects be taken 
into the estimate, — their curious structure and mechanism, 
■—their habits, — their amusements, — their cares and sor- 
rows, the study expands in interest and importance. In 
this last pleasing department, Messrs Kirby and Spence 
have high claims on our grateful respect. 
After we have bewildered ourselves in computing the 
movements and revolutions of those wondrous orbs that 
