DIGITISED MANUSCRIPTS

The race of spiders comprises many varieties, but they one and all show the same distinctive formation, having eight legs, bearing a super- structure which is head and body combined ; body and legs alike being covered with the softest down. At the extremity of the body are situated articu- lated pipes, out of which issues a liquid which hardens on contact with the air and forms the web. These threads are so perfectly even, so mar- vellously delicate, and so enduring, that astronomers place them on the lenses of their telescopes when they are engaged in measuring distances in the heavens, or are observing the movements of the planetary system. But the spider’s chief claim to our interest lies in the remarkable love displayed by the female towards its offspring. It was often wondered why there should be so many more female than male spiders in existence, and spiders were often re- proached for eating not only other insects, but with being addicted to cannibalistic practices among themselves. The explanation of this is, that as soon as the mother has laid her eggs she resents even the approach of her husband to her nest, and if he dares to look after the management of the household he is instantly seized, killed, and devoured. The female spider carries the eggs in her bosom in a delicately woven bag, and when they have