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gives that name ! ). As bearing on the correctness of the reference of the present species to 

 Victorella, the existence of a region (fig. 15) corresponding with Axxandale's "gizzard" may be 

 specially emphasised. I am not sure, however, that the part in question really corresponds with 

 the gizzard of other Ctenostomata, as it would appear to represent the oesophagus of other 

 forms; the preceding part of the alimentary canal, between it and the tentacles, corresponding 

 with the pharynx. 



The existence of a distinct funiculus does not seem to be at all common in marine 

 Polyzoa, in most of which there is a more diffuse arrangement of the "funicular tissue". Victo- 

 rclla, however, is described as having a single funiculus, and it is therefore important to notice 

 that the present species forms no exception to this rule. In cases where I can obtain distinct 

 evidence, I find that the interzooecial septum is perforated by two pores, which lie side by side. 

 Through each of these passes a strong strand of the funicular tissue, the two cords uniting, 

 shortly after penetrating the septum, into a single cord which extends through the body-cavity 

 to be insertecl into the wall of the stomach. 



Regeneration of the polypides is indicated by the fact that the zooeciurn often contains 

 one or two brown bodies (fig. 15). 



The measurements of two of the zooecia figured, in y., are as follows, and may be taken 

 as a fair representation of the size : 



fig. 15: length (not quite complete) 3100; breadth, 650. 

 fig. 14: length 1300; breadth, 600. 



V. sibogae may be regarded as a specially robust member of its genus, as shown by the 

 large size of its zooecia, the thickness of its cuticle and the strong development of its parietal 

 muscles, and the large number of its tentacles. It appears to be nearly related to V. bengalensis 

 and V. continentalis, in both of which the number of tentacles is, however, stated to be 8; while 

 both are described as having winter-buds or resting buds. These have not been found in the 

 present species ; and it may be surmised from its occurrence in the sea that they do not occur in it. 



It has often been assumed that Victorella is a form which has recently migrated into 

 fresh water, as indicated by its occurrence in brackish water. A different view is held by Braem, 

 who considers -) that its preference for brackish water, taken in conjunction with the localities 

 from which it has been recorded, indicates an ancient adaptation ; and that Victorella is in fact 

 a "relict" form which may still be found in localities which contain suitable brackish water. 

 The occurrence of a species of the genus in definitely marine localities appears to support the 

 older view rather than the one suggested by Braem ; unless indeed it were assumed that it 

 could have been derived from a form like V. bengalensis, living close to the sea and secondarilv 

 colonising it. Except on this view it would hardly be possible to assume, in the light of the 

 evidence afforded by V. sibogae, that most of the generic characters of Victorella had been 

 evolved in relation to its fresh-water habitat. 



1) See especially Annandai.k, 1911', pp. 191, 195; where the "gizzard" 15 said not to function as that name would indicate, 

 but to be merely a chamber for the retention of solid particles: and 191 1-, PI. XIII, fig. 6, where the structure in question (6) is more 

 distinctly indicated. 



2) t. cit., p. 34. 



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