62 The Irish NaUiralist. [March, 



careful and patient toil, however, we eventually coaxed from 

 the **slob" land, as my companion termed it, some specimens. 

 These included a Plano7'bis among the moUusca, the so-called 

 horse-leech, three or four freshwater w^orms, together with 

 Allnrus ietj'aedrus, Allolobophora chlorotica (both type and 

 variety), A. tzirgida, and A. subntbicunda. After a while we 

 came down to the Connswater, where we made a splendid 

 discovery. As I turned over the green seaweed which lay in 

 considerable lumps on the stone-paved sides of this tidal 

 stream, I found the stones in many places quite blood-red 

 with minute worms. They were very healthy and active, but 

 it was perfectly easy to secure a large *' bag," and I took away 

 as many specimens as I needed. Having placed some in 

 spirits I endeavoured to keep the rest alive, as it is most 

 desirable that every new species should be described from 

 living material. I found, however, as I continued my stay in 

 the country that the alga began to decompose, resulting in the 

 death of my worms. I had consequently to throw awaj' my 

 collection from this locality, which I did without regret, 

 because my guide had kindly promised me a fresh supply 

 at any future time. I availed myself of his kind services 

 after reaching home, and was well rewarded. 



I may here remark that such localities as these are yielding 

 most valuable results, because by their means we are able to 

 derive information which is calculated to help in the solution 

 of the problems connected with the distribution of annelids. 

 We find that certain genera are semi-aquatic — capable of living 

 either on land or in the water. Others we ascertain to be capable 

 of existing either in fresh or brackish water ; while we further 

 learn that some genera which have representatives on the 

 shores of our inland seas or fresh- water lochs, are also repre- 

 sented by other species on the sea-shore. There is a large and 

 fascinating field for research here, and as Belfast is practically 

 the only place in Ireland where I was able systematically to 

 examine the slob-land, tidal streams, and estuarine flats, I 

 am hoping that when correspondents send me gleanings from 

 similar places in other parts of the country some very valuable 

 discoveries may be made. It may be interesting, for example, 

 to note that the annelid-fauna of the Solway yields a number 

 of species which I did not find at Belfast, and vice versa ; so 



