8 ; PREFACE. 
some one who can thoroughly prosecute this line of studies will be led to 
take it up and give the results to the scientific world. 
I have made a point of illustrating all descriptions with drawings 
whenever the proper material was in hand. During my studies of ara- 
nead spinningwork, I have made thousands of original sketches 
in my note books, from which I have selected those that seemed 
best suited to make clear the points treated of. Judging by my 
own experience, even an outline drawing is better to communicate certain 
facts than pages of verbal explanation. Acting upon this belief, I have 
preferred to risk excessive illustration rather than fall upon obscure descrip- 
tion. Indeed, I cherish the hope that the contents of some of the follow- 
ing chapters might be fairly understood by a simple examination of the 
cuts with their explanatory legends. 
I have not been unmindful of the artistic sense of my readers, which, 
I trust, has been measurably satisfied; but I take it for granted that 
those who honor me by looking at my work will understand that the 
chief object of the engravings is to make plain what I have to say. In 
other words, the figures are for illustration and not for embellishment. 
Many of the cuts have been redrawn by competent artists, but a large 
number remain as figured by myself on block or paper. Among those 
who have assisted in making the drawings are the well known artists 
and arachnologists, Mr. J. H. Emerton, of Boston, and Dr. George Marx, of 
Washington ; also, Messrs. Edwin Sheppard and Frank Stout, of the Acad- 
emy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia; and the Misses Bonsall, of this 
city. 
It may not be out of place to allude to the fact that, in order to give 
my investigations to the public in any form that would satisfy me, I have 
been compelled to undertake the entire burden and expense of 
ae the publication. Few things could be more inconvenient and dis- 
meee tasteful than the business details thus imposed; but I have ac- 
cepted them as a part of the sacrifice required of one who, as a 
prophet of the mysteries of Nature, feels called to declare, at whatever cost, 
the truths known to him. 
Those who have undergone a like experience need not be told that the 
amount of loss to fall upon an author will be largely determined by the 
interest which friends and associates take in procuring for his book a 
place on the shelves of scientific societies and leading libraries. 
IT have received many favors and much generous help in procuring in- 
formation and specimens from various naturalists and friends, for which 
I express my thanks. I have tried to give full credit to all in 
the appropriate place in text or foot note, but will make de- 
served personal acknowledgments in a succeeding volume. 
Full Illus- 
trations. 
Thanks. 
H. C. McC. 
Tue Manse, 
PuitapeLputa, Noyember Ist, 1889. 
