SPIDER. 
523 
Among the different species of this genus is a 
little spider which fills our fields in the autumn 
with its delicate web : this may be seen floating 
on the surface of the grass, or attached to the stalks 
of the corn, in great abundance : and the diminu- 
tive creature that spins this tender thread is called 
the gossamer spider. These cobwebs must have 
occurred to every one who is accustomed to the 
country, as they frequently float in the air and 
come across the face of the traveller as he passes 
through the corn-fields. These little spiders, though 
destitute of wings, seem to be possessed of the power 
of flight ; for they have been seen shooting into the 
air to a very considerable height, and have been 
traced as far as the eye could follow them. The 
learned Dr. Lister made several observations on this 
curious property, and attempted to ascertain the 
height to which they soared ; but this he was un- 
able to do ; for after having ascended some of the 
highest edifices, he still saw the little travellers sail- 
ing above him as far as the eye could reach. 
Mr. White of Selborne has given us the follow- 
ing account of the gossamer, which being drawn up 
from actual observation will be best delivered in his 
own words. “ On September 21, 1741, being then 
on a visit and intent on field diversions, I rose be- 
fore day-break. When I came into the inclosures, 
I found the stubbles and clover grounds matted all 
over with a thick coat of cobwebs, in the meshes of 
which a copious and heavy dew hung so plentifully 
that the whole face of the country seemed, as it 
