BY W. J. RAINBOW. 



539 



the bush in quest of specimens, and for purposes of observa- 

 tion, I have noticed these cocoons, but was never successful in 

 obtaining a specimen of the architect responsible for the structure. 

 I have also, at various times, had specimens of these cocoons sent 

 me for determination, but always without the spider. It is to 

 Mr. A. G. Hamilton, of Mount Kembla, that I am indebted for 

 the specimen described in this paper, and also for a photograph 

 of the creature, with its nest, and cocoons in situ. 



Speaking generally, the Epeiridai do not all construct tube- 

 nests or retreats. Among those that do so, Epeira tvagaeri and 

 E. xylvicola are never seen resting at the centre or " hub," as is 

 the usual custom with orb-weavers ; on the contrary, they are 

 always to be found within their rolled-leaf nests. Whenever an 

 insect becomes entrapped within the mesh, these spiders imme- 

 diately rush out and enswathe the struggling victim in the usual 

 manner of the Epeiriche. Among other groups, as the Drassidce 

 and Attidce, for example, a tube or nest is made for the purpose 

 of taking shelter during the period of moulting, as will be 

 explained in another part of this paper, but with the Epeiridfn 

 this is not so. When the time arrives for an Epeirid to cast its 

 skin, it quietly settles down wherever it may be to undergo the 

 process, which is proved by the positions in which exuvite are 

 frequently found. 



DRASSIDiE. 



Among the species described in the present paper one is refer- 

 able to the family Drassidce, i.e., Cheiracanthium silaceum. The 

 spiders of this family reside in silken cells which they construct 

 in the crevices of rocks and walls, amongst leaves, under stones, 

 and the exfoliating bark of trees, and capture their prey either 

 by surprise or pursuit. They are generally of small size, of neat 

 and compact form, and exceedingly active. The cocoon of C. 

 silaceicm is placed within the cell or nest, and consists of two white 

 plaques, between which the eggs are placed. The nest itself is 

 about the size of a walnut, its bulk being caused b}' the little 

 architect weaving dead Leptospermum leaves among the silken 



