SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 
formed apparently from an extremely fine 
layer of fluid enveloping the thread as it 
leaves the spinners, which, in accordance with 
the laws of “surface tension,” contracts at 
regular intervals. 
IDENTIFICATION, 
I will now proceed to describe the best method of 
examining a spider with a view to its identification. 
It does not here fall within my province to describe 
the technique of microscopical manipulation, but I 
may say that for this work a strong light is required, 
and that a series of the most useful objectives, in 
order, would probably stand thus :—rin., 
hin., fin. The first of 
these is by far the most 
frequently used, and will 
be sufficient in most cases. 
A low power eyepiece will 
be found least tiring to 
the eyes. 
Take a small dish, such 
as may be obtained from 
artists’ colourmen, and a 
quantity of good methylated 
spirit. The dish should be 
of a depth sufficient to 
contain enough spirit to 
entirely submerge the body 
of the largest spider. The 
spirit should be purchased, 
if possible, from a whole- 
sale chemist, and ought to 
bear a large dilution with 
distilled water without 
clouding. [lace the speci- 
men in the dish with the 
spirit. Then thoroughly 
examine the requisite parts. 
The lamp should be ar- 
ranged with the edge of 
the flame towards the 
microscope, and it is neces- 
sary to use a large bull’s- 
eye condenser. A few small entomological pins stuck 
through the abdomen will keep the specimen in the 
right position. If stage forceps can be arranged to hold 
the specimen under the spirit, its successful manipula- 
tion will be rendered easier. 
in Millimeters. 
The parts should be carefully sketched, and the 
drawings kept for future reference. The palpi of the 
males should be examined in several positions, and 
the apophyses of the radial and cubital joints very 
carefully drawn. If aspecimen cannot be identified 
at once, the tube containing it should be numbered, a 
corresponding number being placed on the drawings. 
COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION. 
A few words on the collection and preservation or 
specimens may be useful. The apparatus required 
for the collection of spiders depends to a great 
extent on the collector's fancy. It need not be 
2in., 
An® Dom 9 4 
Fic. =. 
Measurements used are 
extensive. A few bottles of spirit, some tubes, about 
H 
Tegenaria derhamit (magnified). 
Fer description see page 194 
195 
jin. in diameter, and a pair of forceps, are all that are 
necessary. A piece of waterproof cloth to kneel 
upon, when working in moist localities, is a useful 
precaution against taking cold. <A well-known 
writer wisely advocates the use of a piece of string 
connecting the cork with the bottle, to obviate the 
loss of time spent in searching for the cork, when one 
should be looking for spiders. 
to exercise a vast amount of ingenuity in evading the 
bottle of the would-be captor, and, consequently, 
their methods of escape should be carefully noted. 
The species which run rapidly upon the ground may, 
after a little practice, be hunted by the right hand 
into a tube held by the 
left. If convenient, a few 
live specimens should be 
kept in a vivarium at 
home, and their habits 
watched. Young  speci- 
mens of rarities may be 
reared to maturity in this 
way. 
In winter and_ spring 
spiders are best searched 
for amongst grass, dead 
herbage, under pieces of 
These animals seem 
6. wood, and branches of 
5. trees that have lain undis- 
4 turbed for some time. 
; Turning stones also repays 
3 the trouble towards the 
2 approach of warm weather. 
In summer, sweeping grass, 
rank herbage, and rushes 
with a strong net, obtains 
multitudes of specimens. 
Shaking bushes over an in- 
verted umbrella is produc- 
tive. The same plan in 
autumn secures the larger 
web - spinners. The 
Thomisidae may be often 
found resting in 
posite flowers, where they await their prey. 
Spiders are best preserved in methylated spirit, 
diluted with about 20 per cent. of distilled water. If 
it is required to arrange the specimens in a natural 
com- 
ScaLe OF MILLIMETERS. 
position, they should be chloroformed, the legs 
arranged, and the animals immersed in undiluted 
spirit fora few weeks. Such spiders may be kept in 
large tubes, or what is better, the oblong jars used in 
our museums. Some beautiful examples of well- 
preserved spiders are in the national museum, Brussels. 
(To be continued.) 
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