GENERAL CLASSIFICATION AND STRUCTURE. 33 
dle 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 haye 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. 
