an exemplary patience on the Lycosa's part;
for the burrow has naught that can serve to entice victims. At best, the
ledge provided by the turret may, at rare intervals, tempt some weary
wayfarer to use it as a resting-place. But, if the quarry do not come to-
day, it is sure to come to-morrow, the next day, or later, for the
Locusts hop innumerable in the waste-land, nor are they always able to
regulate their leaps. Some day or other, chance is bound to bring one of
them within the purlieus of the burrow. This is the moment to spring
upon the pilgrim from the ramparts. Until then, we maintain a stoical
vigilance. We shall dine when we can; but we shall end by dining.

The Lycosa, therefore, well aware of these lingering eventualities, waits
and is not unduly distressed by a prolonged abstinence. She has an
accommodating stomach, which is satisfied to be gorged to-day and to
remain empty afterwards for goodness knows how long. I have sometimes
neglected my catering-duties for weeks at a time; and my boarders have
been none the worse for it. After a more or less protracted fast, they
do not pine away, but are smitten with a wolf-like hunger. All these
ravenous eaters are alike: they guzzle to excess to-day, in anticipation
of to-morrow's dearth.

In her youth, before she has a burrow, the Lycosa earns her living in
another manner. Clad in grey like her elders, but without the
black-velvet apron which she receives on attaining the marriageable age,
she roams among the scrubby grass. This is true hunting. Should a
suitable quarry heave in sight, the Spider pursues it, drives it from its
shelters, follows it hot-foot. The fugitive gains the heights, makes as
though to fly away. He has not the time. With an upward leap, the
Lycosa grabs him before he can rise.

I am charmed with the agility wherewith my yearling boarders seize the
Flies which I provide for them. In vain does the Fly take refuge a
couple of inches up, on some blade of grass. With a sudden spring into
the air, the Spider pounces on the prey. No Cat is quicker in catching
her Mouse.

But these are the feats of youth not handicapped by obesity. Later, when
a heavy paunch, dilated with eggs and silk, has to be trailed along,
those gymnastic performances become impracticable. The Lycosa then digs
herself a settled abode, a hunting-box, and sits in her watch-tower, on
the look-out for game.

When and how is the burrow obtained wherein the