GENERAL CLASSIFICATION AND STRUCTURE. 33 



die States, that may not be seized with comparative impunity and dis- 

 posed of according to the wishes of the collector. I have (I suppose I may 

 say thousands of times) picked out of their snares or from the ground all 

 sorts and sizes of spiders; even the largest orbweavers, as Argiope cophi- 

 naria and Epeira trifolium, I have collected and carried in my hands. Yet 

 only on one occasion do I remember to have been bitten. In point of fact 

 my respect for the good nature of my aranead pets has been greatly increased 

 by my experience of their forbearance and general harmlessness under ex- 

 treme provocation. I state the facts in my own case, but do not take the 

 responsibility of advising any one to follow my example. 



Of course the above hints are bare outlines of what my own experience 

 has suggested as satisfactory. Others, doubtless, have better ways, and all 

 may find modes better for themselves. No man's methods will quite fit 

 another ; and, after all, experience is the best teacher for all. I have only 

 tried to give the tyro arachnologist a helpful start. 



