86 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



original observation on these wonderful creatures, as portrayed in his 

 work, I do not now recall it. He has interested himself in their love 

 affairs, and, though not officiating, has been present at their weddings ; 

 has gone into the home of Madam Spider and told everything he saw 

 there, — how she cares for her young with a tenderness that is almost 

 human, and treats her poor husband in a manner decidedly the reverse ; 

 how they secure their food and protect themselves and their young from 

 their enemies ; — in short, he has gone into every phase of spider life and 

 given us a simple record of all that he saw, at the same time not forgetting 

 to call attention to the works of others, and give strict credit for all that 

 they have done, a sure indication of honesty and sincerity of purpose. 

 That the work is, to an extent, imperfect, and, perhaps, defective, the 

 author does not hesitate to admit, but there is everywhere shown a com- 

 mendable desire to reduce these defects to a minimum, and few could 

 have done as well. Had the author chosen to consult his personal com- 

 fort and financial interests, he would never nave undertaken the task, 

 which, from first to last, was of necessity a labour of love, the financial 

 loss being only compensated for by the thanks of his fellow-workers, and 

 the knowledge that, with his pen and pencil, he has done more than have 

 any others of his countrymen, to further our knowledge of this most inter- 

 estifif"''^roup of organisms. 



. le first volume treats particularly of snares and nests ; the second 

 volume considers the cocooning industry, maternal instincts and general 

 habits ; the third volume contains six chapters of natural history descrip- 

 tions, while the remaining and major portion is devoted to descriptions 

 of the Orb-weaving fauna of the United States. The work contains over 

 1,200 pages, illustrated by 853 uncoloured figures, drawn from life, and 

 many of them being full-page illustrations ; 40 lithographic plates, on 

 which are engraved 913 figures, coloured by hand from nature, and a full 

 page engraving of Prof. Hentz, the father of American Araneology. 



The work should find its way into every public and educational 

 library, and especially the latter, while the individual who possesses him- 

 self of a copy will treasure it carefully and part with it only of necessity. 



F. M. W. 



Mailed March 8th, 1895. 



