Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-05
The S,ider Web.

Cobweb is the delicate silken thread woyeT
by the spider, and applied to various uses by th'
different species. Some form of it webs IL
which to entangle their prey, others use it as
lining for their habitation, and others make 1t
soft nest for their eggs. Each thread which VIZ
see with the naked eye is formed of thousand
of minute strands which, coming separately from
the body of the spider, unite at short distance
from it, not by twisting, but by their glutlnous
nature. The webs of different species OF spiders
are of various constructions, adapted to the ma
ture and habits of the creature. Some are very
remarkable for their tenacity, being sufficiently
strong to catch small birds. Sir George Stanton
in his Embassy to China, states that spiders
webs are met with in the forests OF Java OF 81
strong texture as to require to be cut through
with knife. In the American journal o
Science, vol. xvii, p 307, is an account of 6
live striped snake suspended in web by the
tail, which was tied in knot. Three spider:
appeared to have accomplished this feat, having
spun a cord of grea size to connectE the snake
with the centre of the web above. They hac
also securely tied up the mouth of the reptile by
multitude of threads wound around it. The
white, silky substances seen floating IN the all
during the spring and autumn mornings, ere
without doubt produced by small spiders as also
the innnmerable threads scattered over the f1elds
gstening in the sunlight. Cobwebs have beer
applied to various uses, both in the arts and II
medicine. The delicate cross hairs In the tee'
scopes of surveying instruments are hne webs
taken from spiders of species that are especially
selected for the excellent quality OF this material
which they produce. The spider, when caught
is made to spin his thread by tossing him from
hand to hand, in case he is indisposed to furnish
the article 1t is then attached to piece OF
wire, which Is doubled into two parallel lengths
the distance apart exceeding little the diameter
of the instrument. AS the spider hangs and
descends from this, the web is wound upon il
by turning the wire around. The coils are
then gummed to the wire and kept for uses as
required. Nearly century ago, Boa of Lam
guedoc succeeded in making a pair of gloves
and a pair of stockings from the thread of the
spider. They we're very strong, and beautiful
gray color. Other attempts of the same kind
have been made; but Reaumer, who was ap-
poipted by the royal academy to report to the
snh;ect stated that the web of the spider was
NOT equal to that of the silk worm, either in
strength or lustre. The cocoons Of the latter
weigh from 8 to grains, so that 2,304 worms
nroduos a pound OF silk but the bags of the
sn;der when cleaned do not weigh above the
third part of grain, so that single silk-worm
can accomplish the work of 70 spiders. 1t is
affirmed that the web of the common house
spider has great medical virtue in tranquilizinIg
the nerves and inducing sleep, while that of the
field spider is ineficacious. 1t is also beneficial
in intermittent fever, asthma, hysteric, and other
affections over which the imagination has power.
The dose is from 5 to grains in the form of a
pill I frequently GeH 81 repeated 1t is superior as
tonic to bark. ouinine, and arsenic, and is an
excellent application for outs, wounds, &c.