i6 JOURNAL OF THE 



A NEW TRAP-DOOR SPIDER. 



BY GEORGE F. ATKINSON. 



In his excellent work on trap-door spiders, Mr. Mog- 

 gride says, " There would doubtless be a just feeling of pride 

 and satisfaction in the heart of a naturalist, who could say 

 that he had made himself thoroughly acquainted with all the 

 species of a particular group of animals, had learned their 

 most secret habits, and mastered their several relations to 

 the objects, animate and inanimate, vvhich surrounded them. 

 But perhaps a still keener pleasure is enjoyed by one who 

 carries about with him some problem of the kind but par- 

 tially solved ; and who, holding in his hand the clue which 

 shall guide him onwards sees in each new place that he vis- 

 its fresh opportunities of discovery. The latter is certainly 

 the condition of those who take an interest in searching out 

 the habits and characters of trap-door spiders.'" 



While many interesting facts, in the life history, and arch- 

 itecture of trap-door spiders were observed and collected by 

 Mr. Moggridge, he very modestly says that many remain 

 yet to be gathered in ; that we are only on the threshold of 

 discoveries of these creatures who have lain quiet in the 

 earth century after century ; and that he will be satisfied to 

 have been able to " hold the door sufficiently ajar to permit 

 those who love nature and her ways to catch a glimpse of 

 the wonders and beauties of the untrodden land that lies 

 beyond."' 



A favorable circumstance afforded me an opportunity for 

 making some observations on the unseen " wonders and 

 beauties of the untrodden land " which is the abode of these 

 interesting creatures, and it is with a sense of pleasure that 

 I note them. 



Some time the latter part of May, or early part o( June, 



'Harvesting Ants and Trap-Door Spiders. Supplement, p. 180. 

 -UarvresLing Ants and Trap-Door Spiders, p. 136. 



