These consist, first, for the foundations, of little smooth stones, some of which are as large as an almond.

With this road-metal are mingled short strips of raphia, or palm-fibre, flexible ribbons, easily bent.

These stand for the Spider's usual basket-work, consisting of slender stalks and dry blades of grass.

Lastly, by way of an unprecedented treasure, never yet employed by a Lycosa, I place at my captives' disposal some thick threads of wool, cut into inch lengths.
As I wish, at the same time, to find out whether my animals, with the magnificent lenses of their eyes, are able to distinguish colours and prefer one colour to another, I mix up bits of wool of different hues: there are red, green, white, and yellow pieces.

If the Spider have any preference, she can choose where she pleases.
The Lycosa always works at night, a regrettable circumstance, which does not allow me to follow the worker's methods.