Spiders. 549 
in its formation. It consists of a number of stout threads 
radiating from the centre to various objects in the neigh- 
bourhood, and crossed by a great quantity of finer threads 
arranged in a close spiral, so as to produce the impres- 
sion of a number of concentric circles. These fine threads 
are braided and glutinous, so that any unfortunate fly 
that comes in contact with them adheres readily : 
" The Spider's touch, how exquisitely fine ! 
Feels at each thread, and lives along the line." Pope. 
The Spider sits in the middle, and at the least motion 
caused by a fly or other insect pressing against it, rushes 
on his prey, and sucks its juices ; if, however, it should 
appear at all formidable, the Spider carefully encloses it 
in a shroud of web, which, of course, quite disables it ; 
and then feasts on it at his convenience. The most diffi- 
cult part of the business is to eject the remains, which 
is often attended with great detriment to the net. The 
female generally lays from nine hundred to a thousand 
eggs, which are contained in a kind of bag, and thus an 
immense number of Spiders are hatched every year, 
which would soon become troublesome from their num- 
bers, if they were not kept in check by the numerous 
birds which prey upon them. The silk which the Spider 
produces is not strong enough to be employed for any 
useful purposes, though, out of curiosity, gloves and stock- 
ings have been woven out of it. A great difficult}', 
however, arises in the pugnacious habits of Spiders, as, 
when a number of them are kept together, they fight so 
dreadfully, that in a short time only a very few are left 
alive ; and a great number would be required, as twelve 
Spiders do not produce so much silk as a single silk- 
worm. Spiders resemble the Crustacea in having the 
power of reproducing the legs which they lose. 
THE HOUSE SPIDEB, (Tegenaria domestica,) 
Is a very different species from the Garden Spider. It 
dwells in the dark corners of houses and. outbuildings, 
forming a dingy web of irregular threads, all of which 
communicate with a concealed chamber or den in which 
the Spider lurks. 
