There is a very prettily marked English Lycosid which is often found on sandhills, in situations particularly convenient for observation. Its name is _Lycosa picta_, and it is incidentally interesting as affording a good example of protective coloration, for the sandhill variety is light-coloured and very inconspicuous when stationary on the sand, while an inland variety not uncommon on the dark soil of heaths is of a much darker hue. Carefully scrutinising the firmer sand of the dunes on a sunny June day, I detect a number of small holes—the burrows of a colony of these spiders—and approaching cautiously I establish myself at full length at a distance of a yard or so on the side away from the sun, in such an attitude that I can observe closely for a considerable time without too much discomfort. The minutes pass and nothing happens, but I know that the cardinal virtue of the naturalist is patience, and I wait. Presently the dark circle of one of the burrows is obliterated—it is filled by the sand-coloured head of the spider, coming up to prospect. Other heads appear, and soon one spider, bolder than the rest, emerges bodily, and remains for a minute motionless, on the _qui vive_. Finding no cause for alarm, it presently begins moving about stealthily, and before long several members of the colony are busily exploring the neighbourhood. A cloud passes over the sun and all quickly disappear into their holes, but this time without alarm, for they come forth unhesitatingly when the sun shines again. It is a fascinating sight to observe these little creatures pursuing their operations in absolute silence under my very eyes. A few stealthy steps are taken, the body being so moved that the battery of eyes is brought to bear upon different points of the compass; a short quick run ensues, followed by more cautious movements. I am not fortunate enough to see the actual running down of a quarry, but in time I note one of the colony bringing home an insect in its jaws. So absorbed am I that I fairly jump when a horrified human voice close at hand observes “He’s in a fit”! I have excited the solicitude of a girls’ school which has approached noiselessly over the sand on their afternoon promenade, and stands gazing at me with as much fascination as I at the spiders. I hasten to reassure them, but the spell is broken, and the séance is at an end. Not a spider is visible. But I can still do one thing. Here is a good opportunity of finding out something about the burrows of these spiders. In turf the investigation would be difficult, but it is easy to operate in the tolerably firm sand where the colony has established itself.