CLASS AN NK LI DA. 



29 



FIG. 40. 



a nervous cord passes, connecting with a ventral chain of 



nervous ganglia. The most noticeable feature, however, is 



the regular series of segments, each of which has its own 



nervous center, circulatory organ, respiratory (re spir'a to ry) 



system, and, when such are present, organs 



of locomotion. It is not surprising, then, 



that when such an animal is divided, 



the parts continue to show life for some 



time after the mutilation. ANNELIDS 



(an' rie 1 idz) are found in damp soil, and 



in both fresh and salt water. 



ORDER OLIGOCH/ETA (o IT go ke'ta) 



The common Angle or Earth-worm is 

 abundantly found in the loamy soil of 

 both continents. In tunneling, it swal- 

 lows the dirt, leaving the alimentary 

 tract to select what little organic matter 

 may be contained. Along each side of 

 the body are rows of small spines, of 

 use in holding to the walls of its tunnel ; 

 these can be felt if the animal be al- 

 lowed to crawl between the fingers. This 

 worm is nocturnal in its habits. It re- 

 quires moisture, dying in a short time if 

 exposed to the sun's rays. Extreme cold 

 it can not endure ; but during winter, it sinks below the 

 frost line and, with several companions, remains coiled 

 up until the advent of spring. Besides its ordinary diet, 

 it is known not infrequently to attack vegetables and 

 even refuse meat. Whenever feeding, however, it inva- 

 riably disposes of the worthless matter by throwing it 

 out as spiral casts on the surface, at the mouth of its 



a, Lum'bn ens terres'- 

 trif. Angle or Earth- 

 worm, c. Egg, inclos 

 iug two young, d, Es- 

 cape of young from 

 egg. 



