1 
- 970 The Progress of Arachnoiogy in America, 
various persons, whose over-anxiety for fame could not resis 
giving premature birth to “ sundry new species.” q 
eanwhile, well-constructed synopses that represent carehi 
comparisons and will serve as a thorough index to what is kno ] 
of a subject are not out of place, and will greatly assist beginnen 
in their study. In this matter our American arachnologists may 
well pattern after the elegant models set them by Simon ant 
Keyserling, in placing a carefully prepared synoptic table 
genera and species at the head of each article. A descriptive 
work without such a synopsis is as faulty as a work of referent 
without an index or a library without a card catalogue. 
In order to render this paper practical for students who d 
to enter this attractive group of animal life, we present, first? 
synoptic table of families, translated from Simon’s admirab j 
“Les Arachnides de France,” followed by a summary of pe 
literature of the American species : ao 
ARANEÆ. 
SYNOPSIS OF FAMILIES." 
A.—Copulatory organ of the g enveloped by the tarsal article of the maliped,? wad 
is h ed in the form of a cupule, or, at least, much enlarged; 
epigynes...... heeii 
Copulatory organ of the g inserted under the tarsal article [of the malipet 
without modifying its form; Q without an Epigyne... ee seere reren 
B.—Eyes equal or sub-equal, often dissimilar,4 forming a transverse oa 
deep on the anterior portion of the cephalothorax (sub-order, Ar. vef 
Eyes unequal, always similar, occupying the entire length o the > j- 
forming a group as deep or deeper than wide (sub-order, Ar. oculat#) 
readily distinguished by their enlarged “palpi.” The female m 
will be found at the base of the abdomen below. This spider is the Ape 
belonging to the first family under “ R.” it is the “Pal 
* The patte-méchoire of Simon is, perhaps, best called maliped ; ee 
of most American writers, of the 
` The epigyne represents the whole of the external generative organs sides 
In its fundamental form it consists of two sacs, which a pies 
with the oviduct near its mouth, and by two larger tubes with i | 
spider. Cf. Emerton, « Structure and Habits of Spiders.” are found in 
- This refers both to Structure and function; two of nal visiol) 
roy spiders,—(1) convex, round, colored eyes, adapted to cm 
at 
» uncolored eyes of various shapes, adapted to nocturnal vision. 
