190 LIFE, IN ITS intermediate forms. 
from the circumference towards the centre, but which 
stops somewhat short of it ; this line is tho most impor- 
tant part of the snare. It consists of a fine thread studded 
with minute viscid globules, like dew, which, by their 
adhesive quality, retain the insects that fly into the net.* 
The skilful constructor then stations herself in the very 
centre, where she patiently hangs head downward ; and, 
her feet extended upon the rays, “ lives along the line,” 
until the arrest of some unwary fly rouses her to vigorous 
action. Approaching the struggling victim, she pours 
out her glutinous web in extraordinary profusion, direct- 
ing it by means of her great hind feet in a broad and 
dense ribbon around the fly, whose every limb is rapidly- 
enveloped by it. Tho pointed poisonous claws are now 
plunged into its body, and the juices sucked at leisure. 
Tho threads of a Spider’s web, fine as they are, must 
not be considered as simple filaments, but as ropes com- 
posed of many strands. The spinning apparatus consists 
of four little teats or warts at tho hinder extremity of the 
body. The upper pair of these are perforated at their 
tips with innumerable holes of inconceivable minuteness, 
so as to resemble a colander, and through each of these 
holes proceeds a thread. The lower pair are similarly 
perforated, but are set in addition with a number of pro- 
minent tubes, which furnish threads also. Within the 
body at this part there are several bags filled with gummy 
matter which at the will of the animal is forced through 
the orifices, and hardens into clastic silk on exposure to 
the air. The Spider applying the ends of the teats to any 
fixed object, the gum adheres, and by her progress a cord 
* Black wall, in Zool. Journal, v. 181. 
