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VII. — A Description of a new form of Hair from a species of 

 Tarantula. By George Shadbolt, Esq. 



(Read April 25lh, 1849.) 



In examining the hairs and other cuticular appendages of animals, 

 we cannot fail to be struck with the beauty and variety of the forms 

 disclosed by the aid of the microscope ; and as it is to be presumed 

 that every modification of form and structure is intended to serve 

 some particular end, it would be a highly interesting study, to en- 

 deavour to trace out the purpose for which each variation in these 

 appendages is designed. In order to attain this end, it is advisable 

 to collect as many facts relating to the subject as possible, for the 

 purpose of comparison, and it is much to be regretted that so few 

 have been placed upon record. 



For such as we are acquainted with, we are chiefly indebted to the 

 researches of our worthy president (Mr. Busk), and secretary (Mr. 

 Quekett) ; and as regards that branch relating to the scales of butter- 

 flies, &c, we have recently been favoured with a highly interesting 

 paper by Mr. De la Rue : but there are doubtless many points of in- 

 terest connected with this very extensive class of objects, which are 

 known to individual observers, but which, for want of being commu- 

 nicated otherwise than by mere conversational remark, are lost to all 

 but the immediate parties concerned; and thus, those who might 

 otherwise be desirous and able to consider this subject as a whole, 

 are deterred from doing so, it being almost impossible for one observer 

 to make researches into every branch of it. 



In offering this paper to the Society, I do so chiefly with a view of 

 inducing others, acquainted with any facts relating to hairs in general, 

 to communicate them in a written form ; for as our president truly 

 remarked in his address on the occasion of our anniversary meeting, 

 no facts, however trivial they may individually appear, are unworthy 

 of being recorded, as in the aggregate they become of considerable 

 value. It is simply with the purpose of aiding in carrying out this 

 object, that I offer these remarks, and my communication is nothing 



TRANS. MIC. SOC. VOL. HI. G 



