196
THE SPIDERS OF EPPING FOREST.
dissection. I propose, therefore, to insert the following tables
which, although founded primarily upon the most obvious
rather than upon the most important characteristics, and
intended only for the identification of British species, will
no doubt assist the beginner in his endeavours to decide
the systematic position of his captures. Conclusions drawn
from this table, however, should be checked by reference
to the short descriptions of the families which will be
given in their proper position in the classified list. This
remark should be taken as applying to all analytical tables, for
without some such precaution they become a source of grave
danger. To pin one's faith to such scanty details as can be
included in them is to court inaccuracy, and the conclusions
drawn from such a procedure, although arrived at with com-
parative ease, do not in any wise convey that feeling of satisfac-
tion which is experienced when the structural characteristics of
a specimen are found to coincide, one by one, with the details of
a well-written description.
TABLE OF FAMILIES OF BRITISH ARANEAE.
1. Eyes six .. .. .. .. 2
Eyes eight .. .. .. .. 4
2. Eyes in three widely separated groups, these
groups forming a triangle with its apex in
front .. .. .. .. Scytodidae
Eyes in one group .. .. .. 3
3. Openings of tube tracheae close to laminal
tracheae and very distinct. Eyes of moder-
ate size. Falces rather powerful .. Dysderidae
Openings of tube tracheae well separated from
laminal tracheae and very obscure. Eyes
very large. Falces weak .. .. Oonopidae
4. Eyes arranged in three groups of 3, 2, 3, placed
transversely .. .. .. 5
Eyes either in three groups of 2, 4, 2 or in two,
three or four transverse rows .. .. 6
5. Falces very powerful. Legs short and strong Atypidae
Falces very weak. Legs very long and slender Pholcidae
6. Cribellum present .. .. .. 7
Cribellum absent .. .. .. 9
7. Cephalic region narrow .. .. Uloboridae
Cephalic region more or less broad and massive 8
8. Eyes in two rows, more or less parallel, and
fairly closely grouped .. .. Dictynidae