212 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



spying out for prey. No fixed residence except at the period of 

 oviposition. Tliey also walk and run sideways or backwards ; 

 occasionally throwing out threads to entrap their prey. Thomisiis 

 wanders after its prey on flowers, rails, trees, &c. 



3. Into those that prowl about the neighborhood of their nests, 

 or near the threads which they throw out to catch their prey. 

 Clubiona forms silken tubes in leaves which they twist, or under 

 the bark of trees. Most species fly about in the air, by means of 

 a long thread, at the end of which they suspend themselves, and 

 which is borne by the wind, sometimes raising them to a great 

 height. Herjjyllus makes no web or tube for its dwelling, but wan- 

 ders for its prey, and runs with great velocity. E. alec is a small 

 black species found under stones in highways ; H. ecclesiasticus is 

 blackish with a white band on the head-thorax, a baud on the ab- 

 domen, beginning at base and reaching the middle, and a spot near 

 the apex white. This one attains to a great size, and is found in 

 houses, under stones, planks, the bark of decaying trees, &c. 



4. Into those which spin large webs to entrap their prey, lying 

 in wait in the middle or at the side. Agelena makes in the fields a 

 web which is spread horizontally, and at the upper part of which 

 is a tube for the retreat of the spider. TJieridium makes a web 

 formed of threads crossed irregularly in every direction. Most 

 species of this genus are the common prey of the several species 

 of Sphex, called sand-dauhers . Fholcus inhabits the ceiling of 

 houses. Tegenaria makes in houses, cellars and other dark places 

 the common webs, which are spread horizontally, and have a tube, 

 usually concealed in a hole or crevice, for the reception of the 

 spider. This is the common house spider, the web of which is 

 narcotic and has been administered internally in some cases of fever 

 with success. Epeira is the common large grey species with a full 

 round abdomen which makes its large circular web in corners, &c. 



5. Into those which swim in water, and then spread their fila- 

 ments to entrap their prey. Argyronela lives in fresh water. 

 " One species spins a bell-shaped, water-proof web that is filled 

 with air, and open below ; this it attaches to water plants by 

 threads." We have a species perhaps of this genus that collects 

 on the leaves of water plants, and when disturbed plunges to the 

 bottom, carrying with it a bubble of water. We have one 

 species of spider which makes a noise somewhat resembling the 

 purring of a cat ; during the production of the sound the body 

 makes a tremulous motion it is said. 



