ARANEA AQUATICA. 373 
floats in the air, and which forms such a 
brilliant net work on the grass, when 
loaded with dew, is the work of a little 
field spider. 
Lucy, I suppose, mamma, that the 
threads we see on the grass serve for 
bridges for these little creatures, and must 
save them a great deal of trouble in 
climbing ; but what can be the use of 
the immense quantity which blows about 
in the air ? 
Mother. This spider has the power 
of throwing out its threads to a con- 
siderable distance. Some of these attach 
themselves to the blades of grass, either 
by their own glutinous nature, or by the 
rough edges of the leaves ; and, being 
immediately pulled tight by the animal, 
form what you call its bridges. But it 
can also shoot its long threads upwards 
into the air, and then, suddenly springing 
in the same direction, it is borne away by 
the wind. 
Lucy, The history of the spider fa- 
