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XIII. N. meridionalis, Costa. — Structure of nest 

 doubtful (see description in Jnts and Spiders, p. 138). 

 Found near Naples and in Iscliia. M. Simon Las 

 discovered a spider in Corsica which he considers the 

 same as that described by M. Costa under the name 

 of meridionalis, but it seems desirable, in order 

 thoroughly to establish this conclusion, that speci- 

 mens of the spiders and their nests from these distant 

 habitats should be compared tog-ether. 



We can scarcely suppose that the real geographical 

 distribution of the above-named twelve species is as 

 restricted as it would appear to be from tlie above 

 enumeration, and there is little doubt, I think, that 

 many more habitats will be added in time. Indeed, 

 our knowledge of the habits and distribution of these 

 spiders can only as yet be said to be in its infancy, 

 the whole subject being, for the most part, new and 

 untrodden ground. 



But, it may be asked, what are the chances in the 

 future for the discovery of undescribed spiders and 

 types of nests : and what reward of this kind may the 

 travelling naturalist expect in order to compensate 

 him for the time and pains which such a search 

 demands, and which must divert him in a great 

 measure from making other collections ? 



The reply is not doubtful. 



Europe alone, most probably, contains many trap- 

 door spiders the specific characters and habits of which 

 are at present unknown ; and as for the warmer 

 regions of other parts of the globe, we only know 

 enough to lead us to surmise that still stranger and 

 more startling discoveries await us there. 



Dr. L. Koch's description of the very remarkable 



