APPENDIX. 359 
and the secreted drops can unite and thus surround the thread upon all 
sides. In order that the minute drops remain, it is necessary that the 
foundation thread be dry when the Aggregate gland places its secretion 
upon it. As the foundation thread is very strong, it will dry more quickly 
if it consist of numerous fine threads instead of a single strand. For this 
reason Apstein believes that the Aciniform gland secretes the foundation 
thread. In the same way one can believe that the Pyriform gland forms 
these threads. The foundation thread is more elastic than the dry threads 
composing the snare itself. As the last named are formed from the Pyri- 
form glands, there seems to remain only the Aciniform gland for the secre- 
tion of the foundation thread. 
Nore C.—Viscrip THreaps or LINEWEAVERS’ SNARES. 
(CHapter XIX., Pace 351.) 
The viscid drops form, in masses close together, a large glutinous spot, 
upon which small insects adhere. With Epeiroids the spirals of the snare 
are formed of this thread. Among the Retitelarize Dr. Apstein found these 
threads on the large, loose meshed web above the habitation of the spider. 
If an insect flies into this roof formed web it sticks to it. By its efforts to 
escape the loose threads are broken, and the animal falls into the home 
web, where it is seized by the spider. In no other web did he observe these 
threads, and no other spider possesses these glands.1 
The bearing of these facts upon the relations between the spinning- 
work of Orbweayers and Lineweavers is manifest. Dr. Apstein confirms, 
both from the standpoint of histology and field observation, the statements 
concerning the viscid character of the web of Theridium, which I have 
made with so great reserve. (See page 351.) He thus immensely strength- 
ens the plausibility of supposing an easy passage from the spinningwork of 
Lineweavers to that of Orbweavers, or in the reverse direction. Had these 
observations reached my hand in the summertime, I should certainly have 
made a thorough examination of the snares of Linyphia and Theridium. 
At this date the matter is impossible, and must go over for another year. 
Norr D.—Tre Swatrnine THREAD ror INSECcTs. 
The Lobate or Lobeformed glands? occur only in Theridium steatoda 
and some others of the above mentioned Retitelaria. They have, there- 
fore, only a limited extension, less so than the Aggregate glands. The 
swathing threads are produced by the Lobeformed glands, as the spider has, 
in her great lumen, always a large quantity of this material in reserve. 
1 Apstein, op. cit., page 63. 
2Lappenformige. These appear to be the Bulbous or Tuberose glands of Meckel, figured 
Chapter IT., page 44, 
