A METHOD OF REMOVING CUTICULA FROM 

 MARINE ANNELIDS. 



THE following simple method has been found successful for 

 the removal of cuticula from marine annelids: 



The worms are first narcotized in sea water to which from 

 5 to 10/0 commercial alcohol has been added. They are then 

 placed in a io^> solution of sodium chloride in distilled water 

 for from 24 to 48 hours. The time of immersion in the salt 

 solution varies with the different species. The worm is now 

 removed to fresh water and an incision with the points of 

 scissors is made along the dorsal surface of the animal. A 

 little shaking with forceps aided with scalpel is sufficient to 

 remove the cuticula entire, although it is usually more conven- 

 ient to first cut the worm into pieces. The pieces of cuticula 

 thus obtained are floated upon slides and the water is allowed 

 to evaporate. In this way permanent mounts are obtained. 

 Such mounts are especially valuable for studying the distribu- 

 tion of sense organs, gland pores, setae, etc. If the worm has 

 been left in the salt solution a sufficient time all the epidermis 

 cells will be left behind and a mount of perfectly clean cuticula 

 will be obtained. Care must be taken to wash thoroughly in 

 fresh water before mounting upon slides; otherwise salt crystals 



will form and injure the preparations. 



MARGARET LEWIS. 



