BY E. J. GODDARD. 479 



importance. In a very large number this approaches very close 

 in importance to the pigment lines on either side, and in some 

 cases actually outstrips these lines. 



This v^ariation is to be noted in individuals collected in different 

 regions, and is to be regarded as a "local variation." In none, 

 however, do these lines approach the great importance of develop- 

 ment as seen in Benham's H. mauiana. However, I cannot 

 think that these practically small differences in connection with 

 colour-pattern are to be taken so seriously as to be consideied a 

 character warranting the institution of a new specific name; 

 rather is it to be more readily understood as a " local variation." 



The close agreement in anatomy seems to place it beyond 

 <loubt that we have, in New South Wales and New Zealand, one 

 and the same species. We find, in the case of Hirudo niedicinalis, 

 enormous variations as regards details in connection with coloura- 

 tion, but yet all these conform to a general pattern as do Limnob- 

 delta australis and Hirudo mauiana, and consequently, for the 

 latter, I would propose the name Limnohdella australis var. 

 Diauiencis. 



Below are shown the measurements of a number of specimens 

 selected as giving the average in regard to the means and 

 extremes. 



Length 645 mm. Breadth 9*5 mm. Posterior sucker 5 mm. 

 64-5 „ 9 ..5 



76 „ 11 



68 „ *8-5 



76 „ 8-5 



66 „ 10 



71 „ 11 



76 „ 3-6 



8 

 5 

 6-5 



7 

 9 

 4 



The measurements given above were made on preserved speci- 

 mens, and represent just a few among a great number of measure- 

 ments. Comparing them with Grube's measurements, it will be 

 seen that thej differ for any given length in respect to the breadth 

 and the diameter of the posterior sucker; and it will also be seen 



