188 ANATOMY. 



in Carabus*. The connecting filaments of the egg-tubes of the second 

 class remain, at least frequently, separated, and discharge themselves 

 singly into the aorta f. It yet remains undiscovered how the connexion 

 is formed with the vesicular ovaries, but it is probable that a single 

 duct passes from the end of the bag to the artery. 



We shall treat of the use of this connecting duct, which Miiller has 

 so admirably represented, in our physiological division, where we speak 

 of the development of the eggs. 



. 138. 



THE OVIDUCT. 



The OVIDUCTUS, or tuba ovarii, is that portion of the evacuating duct 

 of eggs which extends from the ovarium to the connexion of the two ova- 

 ries in the common evacuating duct. It is a delicate long or short tube, 

 sometimes thin and filiform, or broader and vesicular, and when so it has 

 a thicker muscular structure (Semblis). It is rarely that each oviduct 

 is supplied with peculiar glandular appendages which secrete a gluten 

 to spread over the eggs, by means of which they are glued together. 

 In Hydropkilus, which has four such appendages attached to each side 

 of the oviduct, they are filamentary, gradually decreasing, blind canals, 

 and have a granulated glandular appearance, and are doubtlessly 

 glands, and most probably secrete the material from which the female 

 prepares the glutinous mass enclosing the eggs ; but where such ap- 

 pendages are wanting this takes place in the vagina, or in the duct com- 

 mon to both ovaries, which is then supplied with peculiar appendages 

 for this purpose. 



In general the oviduct is longer in small ovaries which contain but 

 few egg germs, shorter, on the contrary, in larger ones rich in germs ; 

 but their dimensions are regulated by the age of the insect ; long ducts 

 are found in young individuals, and they become shorter in older ones 

 which are ready for impregnation, or already impregnated. 



139. 



That portion of the duct of the ovaries which extends from the 

 union of the tubes to the orifice of the spermatheca is called the egg- 

 canal. It is generally of greater compass than the oviduct, and 

 distends into a belly in the middle, forming a convenient cavity for 

 the reception of the eggs. But no other object attends this reception 



* Nova Ada Phys. Med. n. c. PL LI. f. 3. f !*> pl - L - f - 2 - 



