PREFACE 



The object of the work here offered to the public is to serve 

 as an introduction to the study of a much neglected group of 

 animals, the Arachnida. While the list of Americans who have 

 contributed to our knowledge of insects is a very long one, those 

 who have seriously studied the closely allied Arachnida in this 

 country barely number a score; and the publications of these 

 workers have been, of necessity, largely of a pioneer nature and 

 fragmentary. Comparatively little of that which has been pub- 

 lished is adapted to the needs of the beginning student. 



There have appeared in this country, however, a few works 

 designed for beginners; among these are two small books by 

 Kmerton, "The Structure and Habits of Spiders," published in 

 1878, and "The Common Spiders of the United States," pub- 

 lished in 1902, two excellent works which have done much to 

 popularize a knowledge of spiders. The great work of McCook, 

 "American Spiders and Their Spinningwork" (1889-93), ls 

 well adapted to awaken an interest in this subject; but its rarity 

 and cost prevent its general use. The analytical tables published 

 by Banks in the American Naturalist, in the volumes for 1900, 

 1901, and 1905, have been very useful. A few writers, as Dr. 

 Wilder and Mrs. Treat, have published magazine articles on 

 particular species. This practically completes the list of popular 

 works on this subject published in this country. 



The papers on the classification of American spiders are far 

 more numerous, and many of them have been published abroad; 

 so also, the works treating of the structure of spiders are many 

 and are largely foreign. A list of all of the publications quoted 

 in the following pages is given in an appendix. 



In concluding this reference to the literature of the subject, 

 1 wish to make special mention of the work from which I have 

 derived more help than from any other; this is the " Histoire 

 Naturelle des Araignees," by Eugene Simon, published in Paris 

 (1802-1903). 



Special acknowledgment is due to the authorities of Cornel' 



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