16 



detached piecos of rock, and generally distributed elsowhoro 

 beneath stones, rubbish, and among debris in hodgorows. 



The longth of the male is about 3 linos, and the female is a 

 little larger. 



PROSTHESIMA NIGIUTA. 



Abanea nigbita, Fair., Syst., Ent., p. 432. 

 Dbassus pusillus, Blackw., Spid., Great Brit, and Irol., p. 107, 

 pi. vi., fig. 64. 

 Closely allied to both the foregoing spiders, but smaller, the 

 male measuring only two lines in length. It may be dis- 

 tinguished from P. Petiverii without difficulty, by the pale (in 

 general dull whitish) hue of the tarsal and metatarsal joints of 

 the legs, and it is much more hirsute than P. pedestris. It is 

 found in the same localities, and in similar situations, though 

 much less frequently. 



GENUS DEASSUS, Walcl. DEASSUS, Blackw. (in part). 



The Genus Drassus comprises a number of dull-coloured 

 spiders — chiefly brown of various shades — some of them of con- 

 siderable size. They are found sometimes in tubular silken webs 

 under stones, or behind old boards or wainscoting, as well as 

 among moss and grass, or in fact under anything suitable for 

 giving shelter and retaining a considerable amount of dampness 

 in hot and dry weather. Unless disturbed the Dram come 

 abroad only at night. Their form is elongate and flattish, the 

 legs of moderate length, tolorably strong, and generally armed 

 more or less with spines. The caput is broader in front than in 

 Prosthesima, and the spiders are very active. The eyes form two 

 curved transverse rows, the foremost row usually the least curved 

 and the convexity of its curve directed forwards, while that of the 

 hinder row is directed backwards, thus enclosing a somewhat 

 oblong, or oval, transverse space. The maxillae are strong, a 

 little curved towards the labium, and slightly impressed near the 



