British Tuhijicidc'e. By Rev. H. Friend. 271 



Yellowish cells or glands are often found in the integument of 

 this species. Spermatophores were found in specimens examined 

 October 27 from the Thames, two or more in each spermatlieca. I 

 have taken tlie worm from the Severn at Worcester and various 

 other localities. While examining specimens from the Thames in 

 October I had the good fortune to see the cocoons being passed 

 over the head. They seem to have suffered from the fact that the 

 worms had been sent to me by post and kept for some days in a 

 box ; but several important facts were observed, and some curious 

 problems suggested. 



Since the foregoing notes were written I have again examined 

 a large number of adult specimens from the Thames and elsewhere, 

 and have at last found the reason for the conflicting descriptions 

 which the different authors supply. 



L. hoffmeisteri Clap, is the most variable and unstable of all the 

 species yet known to me. I am now engaged in tracing out the 

 history of the species as well as the synonymy. It will be neces- 

 sary, probably, when my work is complete, to define the type and 

 at least two clearly marked varieties. I may hint at the result 

 V/'hich is likely to be attained. 



(1) L. lioffmeisteri Clap., type. Length 25-30 mm. Setse 7-8 

 in front. Penis-sheath about 11 times longer than broad. 



(2) L. hoffmeisteri Clap. var. steigerwaldi Eisen. Length 30- 

 40 mm. Setse 6 in front. Penis-sheath about 8 times longer than 

 broad. 



(3) L. hoffmeisteri Clap. var. tendlahis Friend. Length 20-30 

 mm. Setffi 4-5 in front. Penis-sheath about 4-6 times longer 

 than broad. A delicate, well-marked variety, found in Thames 

 mud at the Tower Bridge, with the type and other Tubificids. 



Further details can be given when the species and varieties have 

 been more fully worked out. 



Beddard, Monograph of the Order Oligochseta, 252. Michael- 

 sen, Das Tierreich, x. 43-4 ; and especially Vejdovsky, System und 

 Morphologic, 47-8.* 



2. Limnodrihis udekemianus Clap. 



Colour usually red in front with yellowish tail, the chloragogen 

 cells being brown. Prostomium rounded, longer than broad, ante- 

 rior segments having a narrow annulus together with a wider front 

 annulus carrying the setfe. The sette differing strikingly from those 

 of Z. hoffmeisteri Clap., inasmuch as the upper tooth greatly exceeds 

 the lower in length : 5-8 in each front bundle. Pharynx reaches 



* Since this paper was read I have been able to consult Claparede's original 

 Memoir. He gives the length as 25-35 mm., number of segments 55-95, setae 6-8 

 per bundle in front, 4-6 in the middle and 2-3 behind. The penis-sheath is put 

 at 5-6 times longer than broad. 



